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Activision: We May, In Fact, Be Afraid of Some Ghosts

Activision Blizzard spits out a combined release list and... hey wait, aren't you guys missing something?

(and Blizzard, too!)
(and Blizzard, too!)
Here's a spooky tale: Phil Elliott over at gamesindustry.biz is reporting that Activision Blizzard has submitted a release schedule that contains some of the Vivendi/Sierra games that it picked up in its recent merger, like Prototype, but somewhat major entries in the Vivendi lineup are missing. Games like Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, Ghostbusters, and Brutal Legend.

Dude.

The rest of the story goes on to talk about "non-strategic business units" and the sort of restructuring you'd expect when two big companies merge. Sadly, the combined company probably doesn't need as many studios as it currently has, and some of them may cease to exist. The statement from Activision's CEO, Mike Griffith, says...

"We have conducted a thorough review of Vivendi Games' brand portfolio and are retaining those franchises and titles that are a strong fit with our long-term product strategy. We are reviewing our options regarding those titles that we will not be publishing."

Others have speculated that the absence of these games must be oversights. Personally, I'm hoping that's the case. And I'm having a hard time believing that Activision--the same company that brought us the very first Ghostbusters game--doesn't see any potential in that product. I've heard nothing but nice things about it. Pack in an emulated version of the original game and the cycle would be complete.

50 Cent, rapping.
50 Cent, rapping.
And Brutal Legend? Can you possibly imagine any other publisher in a better spot to publish a rock-themed game than the company that brings you Guitar Hero? Hell, they should just call it "Guitar Hero Gaiden: Brutal Legend: Jack Black Is In This Game" and ship it.

As for Blood on the Sand? Well... yeah, I don't know. Whatevs, I guess. 50 Cent is past his prime and getting staler by the moment.

Of course, you shouldn't panic just yet. None of this seems to be officially official quite yet, and it's probable that at least some of these projects could get spun out to other publishers if Activision is, in fact, pulling out.
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jeff

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Edited By jeff
(and Blizzard, too!)
(and Blizzard, too!)
Here's a spooky tale: Phil Elliott over at gamesindustry.biz is reporting that Activision Blizzard has submitted a release schedule that contains some of the Vivendi/Sierra games that it picked up in its recent merger, like Prototype, but somewhat major entries in the Vivendi lineup are missing. Games like Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, Ghostbusters, and Brutal Legend.

Dude.

The rest of the story goes on to talk about "non-strategic business units" and the sort of restructuring you'd expect when two big companies merge. Sadly, the combined company probably doesn't need as many studios as it currently has, and some of them may cease to exist. The statement from Activision's CEO, Mike Griffith, says...

"We have conducted a thorough review of Vivendi Games' brand portfolio and are retaining those franchises and titles that are a strong fit with our long-term product strategy. We are reviewing our options regarding those titles that we will not be publishing."

Others have speculated that the absence of these games must be oversights. Personally, I'm hoping that's the case. And I'm having a hard time believing that Activision--the same company that brought us the very first Ghostbusters game--doesn't see any potential in that product. I've heard nothing but nice things about it. Pack in an emulated version of the original game and the cycle would be complete.

50 Cent, rapping.
50 Cent, rapping.
And Brutal Legend? Can you possibly imagine any other publisher in a better spot to publish a rock-themed game than the company that brings you Guitar Hero? Hell, they should just call it "Guitar Hero Gaiden: Brutal Legend: Jack Black Is In This Game" and ship it.

As for Blood on the Sand? Well... yeah, I don't know. Whatevs, I guess. 50 Cent is past his prime and getting staler by the moment.

Of course, you shouldn't panic just yet. None of this seems to be officially official quite yet, and it's probable that at least some of these projects could get spun out to other publishers if Activision is, in fact, pulling out.
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METALM1LITIA91

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Edited By METALM1LITIA91

Oh dang 50 cent: Blood In The Sand isn't coming out anytime soon... I'm sure every gamer has shed a tear for it

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SimonH

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Edited By SimonH

There seemed to be a lot of goodwill towards Ghostbusters on the various forums. I'd be astonished if they didn't want that.

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standing_gopher

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Edited By standing_gopher

Looks like 50's gotta wait a little longer to start bloodying up that sand. It also seems like Dark Athena has all but disappeared since they announced it. I was looking forward to some Vin Diesel action.

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TimeWaffle

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Edited By TimeWaffle

i really want to play brutal legend

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kenzo287

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Edited By kenzo287

what are the odds of them giving up ghostbusters for brutal legend?

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Daveyo520

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Edited By Daveyo520

I  BETTER be busting Ghost in the future.

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SpaceLionFM

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Edited By SpaceLionFM

The text for the 50 cent picture should be, (50 Cent, "rapping")

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neoepoch

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Edited By neoepoch

Yeah, they drop great games from the publishing deal, and they want to keep a Crash Banditcoot game, Spyro game, and Ice Age game...WHAT?!

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s10129107

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Edited By s10129107

all they care about is money.  they'll keep franchises that they can sell to little kids who dont know any better.  nobody cares about releasing a quality product anymore.  thats no longer the name of the game.

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Theory

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Edited By Theory

"Guitar Hero Gaiden: Brutal Legend: Jack Black Is In This Game" must be added as one Brutal Legend's alias. IT MUST!

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SuicideFLip

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That's cold, Activision.

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igpx407

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I hope nothing bad happens to Brutal Legend or Riddick.

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Spencer

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Edited By Spencer

Tim Schafer has been pretty unlucky so far, hopefully this story turns out to be false.

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Shakezula84

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Edited By Shakezula84

Some of the unmentioned games are still listed on Activisions website. Hopefully its not because they are late to updateing it.

As for games like Brutal Legend and Ghostbusters. They were only being published by Activision. They can be picked up by someone else. Plus, on the Brutal Legend side, I remember reading that this whole merger thing really upset Shafer and that if it was finalized, he would be looking for another publisher anyways.

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elko84

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Edited By elko84

If they dont release Ghostbusters I will be a sad panda.

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Gregomasta

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Edited By Gregomasta

A future with no new Ghostbusters game is not a future I want to be part of.

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pbhawks45

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Maybe Activision simply forgot how big they were.

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Shocker

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Edited By Shocker

Man they better release Ghostbusters.

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GiantGUS

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Edited By GiantGUS

Guitar Hero Gaiden: Brutal Legend: Jack Black Is In This Game should be an alias in the Brutal Legend page.

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ratzombie

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Edited By ratzombie

Activision can't leverage those games for multiple sequels and hence would rather have in their portfolio games that are guaranteed money of existing franchises; Guitar Hero, Tony Hawk, and Call of Duty.

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PuppyKisses

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Edited By PuppyKisses

Oh great the only game I was really looking forward to is gone. Who will I co-op ghost bust with now? and what about slimer? I mean, really, what about slimer?

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rickolus

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If they don't release Ghostbusters there will be human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... mass hysteria!

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Vinchenzo

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Set phasers to sadness.

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KAP151

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A big F U to Actiblizzard if they do this.


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interstate78

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Edited By interstate78

If Activision does something as ugly as cancel Brutal Legend, Ghostbusters and a new Riddick game, I think they'll have single handedly destroyed all respect I have for them.

They must keep those titles alive

as for 50 Cents, there's failure written all over it

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deactivated-5d61ff6f14b61

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Dude, you're re-titling of Brutal Legend is fried gold. They should just go with that. Who do I have to call to get this ball rolling?

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DeathBySnuSnu

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Son of a bitch!  


I REALLY wanted to play Ghostbusters...
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jondavis

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What about World in Conflict: Soviet Assault?

...I'm never going to get to play that damn game.

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attech

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Edited By attech

Wow. If they've dropped Ghostbusters I'll be VERY disappointed.

Even still, I'm guessing other publishers would jump at the chance to pick up the publishing rights for it.

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deskp

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Edited By deskp

bigger company = less titles.....        that sounds stupid           :-X

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Shinedown220

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Activision is the new EA.

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Activision is the old EA

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tenspeed

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Edited By tenspeed

I was hoping ANYBODY was willing to axe "Blood on the Sand". I thought it was a joke the first time I read about it.

The other games, though, could be real casualties.

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BranDong

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If they don't release Ghost Busters I'm going to cry.. I thought it was almost finished.

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McPlated

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And the shame-train goes on and on...

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If they don't release Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena I'm going to be pissed!

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Edited By BranDong

This is the worst news I've heard in a long time.. this is worse than finding out your have an STD.

I mean really.. they are dumping these promising games in favor of Crash, Spyro, Ice Age and some other bologna that nobody gives a rats ass about anymore?  I hate these guys with a passion now.  It almost makes me not want to buy Guitar Hero 4, Diablo 3, Star Craft 2.... damn them.. DAMN THEM! ... I have to buy those...  
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HebrewSanta

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Was I the only one looking forward to the 50 Cent game?  I mean, I don't care about the rapping, but it seemed like an "urban" take on Three Kings.  Whatever that means.

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"What about World in Conflict: Soviet Assault? ...I'm never going to get to play that damn game."

Massive was mentioned by name right there on the linked site. Giant Bomb doesn't care about PC games confirmed, confirmed and reconfirmed.

"Additionally the company plans to "realign" staff at High Moon Studios and Radical Entertainment, while Massive Entertainment and Swordfish Studios are both under consideration for sale or closure."

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Dante_the_Jedi

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They better not can that new Ghostbusters game, it was looking really good.

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If they aren't going to releaseChronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena, at least make the old one backwards compatible.

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VicRattlehead

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Edited By VicRattlehead

this seriously sucks.... i was really looking forward to ghostbusters as well.....i

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oobs

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Edited By oobs

that will be ashame if ghostbusters isnt picked up..i watched the trailor it looks promising

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DisAbiLityFisHy

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Edited By DisAbiLityFisHy

Ugh... I can't believe this actually happened... Ghostbusters was the cover page for many mags... how/why they did this? Nobody, but we all want to know.

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abombb

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There is no way they can get rid of Brutal Legend.  I can't believe this is a possibility.

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get2sammyb

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Edited By get2sammyb

I also thought the new Ghostbusters was looking good. It's worrying that this can happen.

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YDGI

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Edited By YDGI

I guess the point of getting rid of Brutal Legend over at Activision, "Hey, it's just a stupid indie game that FEATURES JACK BLACK!!". Stupid Idiots.

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MikeFightNight

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Edited By MikeFightNight

Last thing I heard was ghostbusters is suppose to be coming this fall, that's what the rep from comic con said.  There's even a speil about it on Xbox live Insider through the dashboard.  It's look sick though.

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Major

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Edited By Major

I hope Ghostbusters is still being released.....