It may be one of the most anticipated PlayStation 4 titles in production, but things could have been very different for Tequila Works’ stunning ICO-esque excursion RIME. A document uncovered by underground publication VG Leaks indicates that the Spanish developer actually pitched the title to Microsoft first, as an Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8, and Windows Phone exclusive.
The document reveals that the release was originally dubbed Echoes of the Siren, which we already knew due to the confusion that it caused regarding a hypothetical sequel to Keiichirō Toyama’s similarly named horror series late last year. In the original documentation, the title was described as “Gauntlet meets Minecraft meets Jason and the Argonauts”, where you must scavenge for items in the day and defend your fortifications at night. It’s likely that the project’s changed a lot since then.
Of course, the good news for us PlayStation fans is that Microsoft passed on the pitch, paving its path to the PS4. Speaking on Twitter earlier this week, Phil Spencer, an executive at the Redmond-based manufacturer, noted that part of his job involves “living with mistakes”. He added: “Passed on Guitar Hero; I can list many misses regretfully. I try to focus on what we did ship.” We can appreciate the honesty.
There’s still no date attached to the luscious escapade, but we’re hopeful that we’ll learn a lot more at one of the big press events later this year. Are you aching for the opportunity to bask in the title’s sharp sunshine? Slap on some tanning lotion in the comments section below.
[source vgleaks.com, via twitter.com]
Comments 12
I love the survival concept. I'm looking forward to this one. Maybe Sony will give for free with Plus.
Almost
First Heavy Rain, now RIME. Thanks Microsoft!
This just goes to show Sony has a keen eye for unique games.
@banacheck
Actually Sony have a very good track record of supporting games with unique concepts that most others will tend to stay away from. This what makes Sony stands out for me when i decided to move from the Xbox 360 to the PS3. I was tired of playing FPS, wanted something new and different and Sony PS3 was the one that can offer that kind of experience. Sure some of PS3 exclusive may not sell as well as xbox exclusives but knowing that i will experience of a new IP and new gameplay, im willing to support.
It doesn't look like a typical Xbox game really anyway(say no more)
@Carl-G
Like how Alan Wake or Max cursed brotherhood are? How about Dust or Charile Murder.
Hmm the original pitch sounds like below from capybara so I can see why. It didn't help that Deadlight received prior reviews and sales while being in summer of arcade.
Looks like they took the rejection and improved on it ten fold.
MS think big and greedy, they don't much care about providing an all round gaming experience. They've been complacent where as before it was Sony who were complacent. The fact that the PS4 is just plain better isn't going to make this gen very enjoyable for them.
Passed on Heavenly Sword too.
@ThreadShadow No Way ? Heavenly sword is still on my top 10 PS3 games list.
I'm very much looking forward to learning more about this charming game and then playing it.
Regarding Microsoft passing on it I'm sure it will have just simply come down to business. I'm sure that the pendulum swings both ways on these things. Apparently Playdead pitched Limbo to Sony as PlayStation exclusive but Sony demanded ownership of the IP so they took it as a timed exclusive to Xbox instead. Once again, it's all just business nothing more sinister than that.
@KAPADO Yup, MS dude Shane Kim passed on Heavenly Sword when the chance came up. I like Heavenly Sword too, and hope for a sensible sequel.
RIME looks/sounds really good!
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