Cancelled games are video game projects that begin Game Development but are ultimately abandoned before release. The reasons for cancellation are varied and complex, often including insurmountable Technical Issues, severe Financial Difficulties, shifts in the Video Game Market making a project unviable, or even Creative Differences within the development team or with publishers. Sometimes, a Game Studio may close, or a change in Gaming Technology renders the initial vision impractical.
These unreleased titles, despite never seeing a public release, offer fascinating glimpses into alternative creative visions and lost potential. They can become legendary among fans, sparking curiosity about what could have been and often contributing to Video Game Culture through leaked prototypes, concept art, or developer anecdotes. The cancellation of a game can have significant impacts, leading to Job Losses for developers and substantial financial write-offs for publishers. Despite their unreleased status, the stories and remnants of cancelled games often become important subjects for Video Game History and Game Preservation efforts.
