Arab News Japan
Japanese video game company Sega has announced that its most expensive video game, Hyenas, has been canceled, 17 days after releasing the beta version.
The game was a space-based multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) game. Players fought against each other to steal valuable pop culture items, such as Sonic statues.
The actual production costs for the game are not confirmed; however, since it’s Sega’s most expensive game, it is believed to cost more than $70 million to beat the development costs of Sega’s infamous game, Shenmue.
The FPS game was developed by Creative Assembly, a British video game company that was acquired by Sega in 2005 and is most known for developing the video game series Total War.
On September 11, the game released its highly anticipated beta version. On September 28, the game posted on X a statement saying the game was canceled. The was no official release date of the game.
“So many poured their hearts into this project for many years,” they shared. “Please be kind and considerate to the team as the news sinks in.”
— HYENAS (@PlayHyenas) September 28, 2023
Creative Assembly also posted their own statement on X. “This may, unfortunately, result in job losses,” they said. “For those whose jobs are at risk we will work to re-allocate them into other available roles within California whenever possible, and ultimately minimize any job losses.”
Following an internal announcement to our employees, please see the below statement: pic.twitter.com/b6LPonVagV
— Creative Assembly (@CAGames) September 28, 2023
The actual reason for the cancellation is unknown; however, the Japanese company Sega Sammy Holdings, the company formed from the merging of Sega and the Japanese development company Sammy Corporation in 2004, posted a press release on Sep. 28 blaming its lower profits in the United Kingdom as the demand for games became lower after the lockdown restrictions were lifted.
“In response to the lower profitability of the European region, we have reviewed the title portfolio of each development base in Europe and the resulting action will be to cancel “HYENAS” and some unannounced titles under development,” the company stated.
YouTuber Volound posted a video on Oct. 3 claiming to have insider sources that are saying the game was canceled for a “total lack of direction” and bad leadership.
