In a recent turn of events, staff members who were part of the now-canceled Hyenas project are shedding light on what they perceive as the inevitable cancellation of the multiplayer shooter. YouTuber Volound has released a video in which team members share their thoughts on the failed endeavor, attributing its downfall to a series of avoidable mistakes.
The video delves into the challenges faced by Creative Assembly during the development of Hyenas, including engine-related issues and a notable lack of clear direction. The insights provided by the staff members in the video underscore the challenges they encountered, including concerns about potential staff layoffs.
One developer expressed their view on the situation, stating, “I feel that because [Creative Assembly] had that corporate backing, it was very much a case of ignoring the negative feedback and persevering with the development of a project that might not have been well-received.”
The magnitude of Creative Assembly’s ambitions for Hyenas is evident in the fact that the company acquired two buildings exclusively for the current and future staff working on the project. It’s believed that this ambitious undertaking was Sega’s most expensive title to date, with the publisher hoping to generate over $600 million in lifetime sales from it.
Another developer revealed, “A significant amount of resources was poured into this project.” Sega’s decision to cancel the project mid-development was seen as a calculated risk to prevent potential failure upon release. However, this move has left Creative Assembly to bear the financial burden of Sega’s decision.
Amid these challenges, one developer shared their emotional turmoil, saying, “I’m paralyzed with a mixture of upset and anger over what’s happening to my friends there. I was…with these people for the best part of seven years, and now, thanks to poor mismanagement from higher-ups, they’re the ones facing the consequences.”
Volound’s video also offers a glimpse into a previously reported tone piece by filmmaker Neil Blomkamp, which played a role in defining the game’s direction and core premise. Blomkamp’s involvement dates back to his visit to Creative Assembly in 2019, where he contributed to shaping the vision for Hyenas.
The cancellation of Hyenas highlights the challenges and complexities that game development studios often face, especially when pursuing ambitious projects with substantial financial backing. The insights provided by the developers shed light on the highs and lows of the industry, emphasizing the human cost of such decisions in a highly competitive market.
