Reimagined Twisted Metal Proposed as a Third-Person Battle Royale, New Images Show
In February 2024, it was announced that a new game in the popular Twisted Metal series was cancelled. This decision came just months before the release of a live-action show based on the game. Along with the cancellation, some tough news broke that nearly 900 workers would be laid off from the studio responsible for the game. These events marked a challenging time for the gaming community and the industry at large.
Initially, there weren’t many details available about the Twisted Metal game before it was cancelled. While we knew that development had been ongoing for a while, specifics were scarce. Recently, insights from a former developer at Firesprite— the studio that was creating Twisted Metal— have shed light on the project’s unfortunate fate.
Battle Royale Element
On the portfolio site of Hugo Silva, who was the Lead UI Programmer at Firesprite from 2022 to 2023, some blurred images and details about Twisted Metal were discovered. Silva shared some information that provides a clearer picture of what the game was intended to be.
According to Silva, the game, referred to as Project Copper, was designed as a third-person vehicular action combat experience. He outlined that it was based on a classic PlayStation property and featured gameplay mechanics that combined elements of third-person shooting with vehicle combat, aiming for a battle royale style where players would fight to be the last one standing.
“Project Copper was a 3rd person vehicular action combat game, it was based on a classic IP owned by PlayStation developed by Firesprite (PlayStation Studios) it had 3rd person shooter mechanics wrapped with 3rd person vehicle combat with the objective of being the last one standing.”
As the Lead UI Programmer, my role involved creating the main user interface system and then tailoring it to meet the unique needs of this project while coordinating with other teams.
While the specifics of the game remain under wraps with the mention of ‘UNDER NDA’ on the images, it’s apparent from Silva’s description that the game was set to incorporate familiar gaming elements. Sadly, some visuals hinted at a design that felt reminiscent of popular titles like Fortnite, a fact that might not excite fans looking for something new and original. The concept of third-person gameplay mixed with vehicles and combat is not particularly unique and could have struggled to stand out if launched to players.
Potential Reception
Given the game’s design, there’s been some speculation about whether a Twisted Metal battle royale would have resonated with players. Fans of the series might have appreciated the mix of cars and combat, but opinions vary on whether it would have garnered widespread success. Would such a game attract gamers looking for innovative multiplayer experiences? It’s a question that remains unanswered.
Impact on the Gaming Community
The news of the game’s cancellation and the significant layoffs has left an impact on the gaming community. Many have expressed concern over the direction of game development, especially amid tough industry times. Games often connect deeply with their audience, and the loss of anticipated titles like this can feel disheartening for fans who were looking forward to new adventures in the Twisted Metal universe.
For many players, nostalgia plays a big role in their interest in classic franchises like Twisted Metal. The series is known for its chaotic gameplay, unique characters, and an overall fun experience. While a new game could have introduced exciting modern mechanics, the industry’s current climate raises questions about what the future holds for both new and established titles.
As we look forward, it’s essential to monitor how these changes in the industry affect ongoing projects and new developments. The gaming world is constantly evolving, and every cancellation or shift in direction can shape the experiences available to gamers in the future. Whether it’s through new stories, gameplay mechanics, or reimagined classics, the hope remains that the gaming community will continue to see innovation and creativity.
In the meantime, fans of the Twisted Metal series and the broader gaming audience can stay informed about new releases and updates through various channels. Game developer announcements and news articles are constantly providing insights into what’s next, offering a glimpse of the future of gaming during these uncertain times.
