Shadowrun Developer Closing It’s Doors?
- Scribbled on March 21st, 2007 by Devin Grimes
- Filed in Industry News, Live for Windows, Microsoft Vista, Microsoft Xbox 360, PC, Shooter
Rumors circulating around the tubes are now stating that FASA Studio, the developers behind many key Xbox games (Crimson Skies, Shadowrun) may be closing down. At least, according to a forum member on the official Shadowrun boards.
A forum member you say? Yeah, but this time it’s not just your average internet junkie capable of speaking in l33t…it’s supposedly a bitter ex-employee who stated:
Fasa Studios is closing and good riddance. After years of substandard management (Mitch) and bad hiring decisions (Evan). Many of its employees (my friends) left to greener pastures because of the reasons stated earlier. It seems that someone finally took notice and decided to cut the tumor that is Fasa studios from the body of Microsoft. The Shadowrun game offers nothing new in the aspect of first person shooters and that it looks visually uninspiring and mediocre. Save your money for Halo3
Okay, any average Joe out there is capable of pulling this off, but this message does hold some water. According to 1up FASA Mods were quick to respond by deleting the member’s account and locking the thread while stating about employees:
They have a maximum amount of time they can work here before taking a mandatory break. Many of them are complete star performers, but when the job’s done, they move on, and the job’s almost done
It makes sense why the former employee would be angry at FASA, but still, with the somewhat negative and lukewarm reception that FASA’s LIVE cross-platformer Shadowrun has gotten its definitely still not off the possibility chart.
March 21st, 2007 at 10:22 pm
As someone in the developer space, let me tell you its normal for a few developers to get a bit angry.
Developers are a touch bunch, when things go well they’re all cool. Under pressure they’re all cool, but it grows on you over time. A few cannot take it anymore and snap or burn out a bit…
When they snap, most move on or find a new position. But, a few will have to “leave their mark” before leaving. This seems like one of those situations.
I personally have only worked on one solid project in my career that didn’t have a) mis-management b) surprises c) tough deadlines and other issues.
Management wants it done ‘yesterday’ and will sit in your office and bitch while you code just to make you go faster (as if that will help). Does that make me angry? Sure, but not enough to forum flame. Others see things different.
I’d not be surprised if they deleted the post and pretended it didn’t exist. It wasn’t justified and was no doubt done just to “get even” (in the mind of the coder)
My last company, at Cisco System, was full of mis-management. Hell, my boss left himself! Oh, yes, he also left me a nice mediocre review that I found months later.
Is Cisco going under? No, they’re doing very well. Nobody is perfect, and much of engineering management roots are from former coders that burned out and thought they could do management but really have no education behind management. That, my friend, is the real problem.
March 21st, 2007 at 11:19 pm
I don’t care what’s going on behind the scenes at FASA, there’s no excuse for not making Crimson Skies 2. That is mis-management.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve considered going to FASA and sitting in their offices bitching until a damn sequel was produced.
March 22nd, 2007 at 9:01 am
Um, I am not so sure NOT making a game a fan wants is considered mis-management
You’re apparently statistically insignificant (wow, that’s a mouth full)
March 22nd, 2007 at 9:03 am
I would like to see Crimson Skies 2, but if FASA does it, OF COURSE they’ll do it with a DIFFERENT team. I mean, Shadowrun and Crimson Skies are completely different games, and will probably run with two different engines.
June 14th, 2007 at 12:08 am
Yep - they’re closing. MS owns the properties and could always use them again if they wish (assuming they don’t sell them to FASA, Wizkids, and 42 founder Jordan Weisman), but the few who remain after the acquisition of the studio by MS in 99 are moving on to other projects in MS or to other studios.