EA cancels F2P Command and Conquer as Victory Games "disbanded"
Los Angeles-based dev Victory Games shuttered along with free-to-play Command & Conquer
On the official website for Command & Conquer, a posting has confirmed that the free-to-play version of the game is ceasing production after several months of a closed alpha test.
"Thank you for your participation over the last few months in the Command & Conquer closed alpha test. It's been much appreciated, and you've been instrumental in helping define what a new Command & Conquer experience should and shouldn't be. Part of being in a creative team is the understanding that not all of your choices are going to work out. In this case, we shifted the game away from campaign mode and built an economy-based, multiplayer experience. Your feedback from the alpha trial is clear: We are not making the game you want to play. That is why, after much difficult deliberation, we have decided to cease production of this version of the game," wrote developer Victory Games. "Although we deeply respect the great work done by our talented team, ultimately it's about getting you the game you expect and deserve."
Sadly for Victory Games, the developer is being "disbanded" an EA spokesperson told GamesIndustry International. "A small team of people that have been working or supporting the Command & Conquer game will be impacted. Wherever possible, we are working to help these talented people find other opportunities with EA," the representative added.
EA intends to refund any money spent by players in the alpha over the next 10 days. The company is now "looking at a number of alternatives" to the free-to-play Command & Conquer.
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Because the story of C&C is the story of a company trying to leverage a brand name they bought in any way they could, with no regard to the game itself. It tried to chase shooters, it tried on consoles, it tried to chase modern military settings, it tried to eliminate base building, it tried to go f2p. It is the little franchise which kept trying.
Compare and contrast with Starcraft 2. All Blizzard did was to not try and reinvent the wheel they already got and even if they broke up what should have been one game into three.
Maybe it is the fact of C&C changing hands so often that every developer tries to infuse the franchise with sweeping changes. Developer's pride to make a game their own and not just trace the footsteps of 15 years ago. EA is not the right company for such a thing, they reinvented Tetris for f2p for crying out loud.
Make C2C into a esport perhaps with MOBA elements
Consider the impact of the original. Consider a PC without even Windows on it. Consider putting in a CD and have DOS boot into that installer. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cioyLQ2O6yc) Videos were not meant to be comedic interlude, they were part of building a world with means untried and yet in a depth and efficiency unchallenged at the time. Starcraft's radio plays between missions was puny by comparison. Also highly effective for sure, but not in the same league.
Now look over to Starcraft 2, look at their cinematics, that is what EA needs to beat in the eyes of old C&C fans. RTS for sure, but atmosphere above all.