In a recent interview with Joystiq, ex-Capcom producer Keiji Inafune has addressed why the publisher’s 2009/2010 push for original IPs backfired. Referencing Grin’s Bionic Commando reboot and Airtight Game’s somewhat under-appreciated Dark Void, Inafune put their failure down to one common factor:
[It’s] very, very simple: The publisher was Japanese and the developer was foreign. Even inside Japan, when you work in two different companies, they always blame each other for any small mistakes, so that’s pretty much what happened in those two games — blaming each other.
With that said, Inafune did point out that one Capcom franchise has benefited from overseas development: Dead Rising. Being one of the most beloved games from the original Xbox 360 line-up, Capcom’s zombie slaughter-fest has enjoyed a plausible following with Dead Rising 2: Off the Record due to launch next month. Be sure to check out our interview with the game’s executive producer, Jason Leigh.
Source: Joystiq
posem
I really liked Dark Void though… best flying mechanic in a game i’ve seen in ages!
campaign could have been just a tad longer..
Jim H [Teabags]
I was quite a big fan too, though it’s extremely likely that we’ll ever get a sequel, even with that somewhat open ending.
posem
im actually pretty set on there not being a sequel, because it seemed to underperform expectations and the studios didnt seem impressed..
shields_t
I played and enjoyed the demo, and always thought I’d pick it up when it goes cheap. I’d imagine it can be picked up for less than a pint these days.
Bionic Commando was underappreciated too, that wasn’t a bad game, though not as good as Rearmed.
XisTG
same here, I quite liked the game.
PoolieMike
Actually it’s because both games are steaming piles of mediocrity. Dark Void marginally better because of the Nolan North-ness.
bacon_nuts
Damn, he gets everywhere.
Sympozium
Ugh… after Drake he better be The Prince again…
Sad Panda
Played the demo of Dark Void, absolutely hated the controls and cancelled my pre-order. Didn’t ever like the look of Bionic Commando.
I’m in shock that the 2nd hand Market wasn’t apportioned the blame.
Sympozium
You always read that from well….. Americans or Europeans lol…
PoolieMike
It’s worth it for two quid.
yogdog
I enjoyed both. Had good fun on them, was hoping for a sequel to Bionic Commando at least.
Severn2j
One thing Capcom did get right with Bionic Commando was to release a HD remake of the original as well. Take note, Syndicate devs.