Prototype and Prototype 2 were both very well developed games that were enjoyable to play and had no massive issues but unfortunately the idea of a virus giving an anti-hero super mutant powers which he then used for revenge just didn’t take off.
That in itself is surprising really as it’s a solid idea and when Radical first made the game it was given more than enough marketing and backing by Activision so it’s with a sense of sadness that I read this morning that due to the lack of commercial success for the series Radical studios will now be significantly reduced in size and morphed into a support studio for other, more successful, Activision titles.
In essence they’ve suffered a fate worth than closure. As a software developer there are few things worse than realising that you’re going to be spending the rest of your career supporting someone else’s idea and while this is the norm for corporate developers for artists such as game developers and producers this is purgatory.
Here’s what Activision has to say :
Although we made a substantial investment in the Prototype IP, it did not find a broad commercial audience. Radical is a very talented team of developers, however, we have explored various options for the studio, including a potential sale of the business, and have made a difficult conclusion through the consultation process that the only remaining option is a significant reduction in staff. As such, some employees will remain working for Radical Entertainment supporting other existing Activision Publishing projects, but the studio will cease development of its own games going forward.
The minds behind Prototype don’t deserve this and while Activision can be applauded for at least attempting to save some jobs I personally hope the creative minds at Radical manage to find their way into some new and exciting projects.
Shame on all of us for not buying these games, this is a series that deserved better.
Last Updated: June 29, 2012
