Unseen Screenshots Reveal Cancelled Twisted Metal Battle Royale
PlayStation’s Cancelled Twisted Metal Game: Insights and Details
PlayStation recently scrapped a new game in the beloved Twisted Metal franchise, which was rumored to be a battle royale. This information has caught the attention of many fans and industry insiders alike.
What Was Project Copper?
Internally, the game was referred to as Project Copper. According to a report by MP1st, it was intended to combine both third-person shooting and the classic vehicular combat that Twisted Metal is known for. This unique mix aimed to deliver a fresh experience while still appealing to long-time fans of the series.
Evidence of Development
A key piece of evidence confirming the project’s nature comes from a UI programmer who worked at the developer Firesprite from April 2022 to October 2023. This programmer uploaded some obscured screenshots to their online portfolio. Although Project Copper isn’t mentioned directly and the images are blurry, you can make out early prototypes featuring both third-person action and action outside of vehicles.
“During my time on Project Copper, I was part of the UI team responsible for creating a generic UI system that could be used in various projects within the company. My role also included managing a team of two UI programmers,” the developer stated on their resume.
Snippets of Gameplay
The screenshots reveal some exciting features. They hint at a third-person action game, showcasing characters wielding guns and engaging in intense vehicular action. While the images are not entirely clear, they do give a glimpse of the creative direction the developers were taking with the game.
The Game Mechanics
According to the developer’s description, Project Copper was designed as a "third-person vehicular action combat game based on a classic IP owned by PlayStation." The main goal was to outlast other players, emphasizing the survival aspect that is typical in battle royale games.
The game’s mechanics linked traditional shooting with vehicle mayhem. Players would engage in intense firefights, both while driving their vehicles and on foot, a concept that would have made it stand out from other games in the genre.
Sony’s Ambitions and Changes
Back in February 2022, Sony announced its plan to launch more than 10 live service games. Then-CEO Jim Ryan expressed optimism about the future of live service gaming. He believed these types of games would become a central part of the gaming landscape. However, the company’s strategy has since shifted, which led to the cancellation of multiple projects, including two additional games in January 2023.
Related News: Twisted Metal Season 2
In a related twist, Peacock recently released the first trailer for the second season of the Twisted Metal series. This show features notable actors like Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa, Will Arnett, and Anthony Carrigan.
The official blurb for the new season hints at exciting developments: "As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things become complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface."
Conclusion Notes
Though Project Copper may have been cancelled, the excitement around the Twisted Metal franchise continues to thrive through new adaptations and television series. Fans eagerly await more news about the direction PlayStation and its development teams will take.
As the gaming industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how franchises like Twisted Metal adapt to meet new trends, especially as live service games become more prominent. For now, the cancellation raises questions about the future of beloved titles and the potential for future revivals or reimaginings.
