Ode to Freelancer

Freelancer, the ‘epic’ space action/market/RPG resembling a newer Elite, is rumored now to be either scaled down or cancelled completely by Microsoft. Here’s the scoop from Avault:

A confidential source has granted credence to a recent report on Voodoo Extreme that Chris Roberts has been removed from Digital Anvil, the Austin, Texas design studio he helped create. Added to the list of unconfirmed departures were his brother, Erin Roberts, and the producer of Loose Cannon. Also, word is that Freelancer will be scrapped, or in the least scaled down so that it will not resemble the game that won over the press at 1999’s E3. The source cited technological problems, suggesting that what Roberts envisioned is not possible using current PC technologies. Press agents at Digital Anvil declined to comment.

Freelancer aims to thrust gamers into the most detailed and immersive science fiction world since Privateer. Gigantic capital ships and space stations composed of thousands of triangles were seen at E3 in 1999. The guns of the ships recoiled when firing, massive wings extended out into space and nebulae existed within dense clouds of gas through which lightning rippled. Freelancer also aims to boost ship control to the next level with a new 3D control scheme.

Until the official word on this is out though, let’s have some hope.

On a tangent:
What I’m wondering is, do companies actually expect us to buy the excuse that it’s the current technology that’s the problem, and not the implementation of the idea? First Obi Wan canned because of the “current limitations” and now Freelancer? That is the absolute weakest excuse, and they are only doing that because they don’t want to give the real reason. It’s one or a combination of these that were actually limited: either money, time, resources, morale, or just knowledge about how to proceed (in Freelancer’s case Chris Roberts and his brother left the company). But it’s certainly not technology. Technology today can be shaped into just about anything you want.

Freelancer was a bunch of common themes already done strung together… the marketplace, the 3D space sim, the RPG, massive multiplayer. A big implementation undertaking for sure, but within the capabilities of current technology. Obi Wan was less than that. It was just 3D action with RPG elements. And it’s still being made, just not on the PC. Yet they cited limitations on technology as the excuse. So in otherwords, the PC’s aren’t as powerful as the consoles.