TimeSplitters 4 remains one of the most requested videogame sequels of recent memory, but according to Crytek boss Cevat Yerli, the game is unlikely to see the light of day anytime soon.
Speaking with CVG, Yerli said that even if developer Crytek UK (formally Free Radical) were to pump out a new TimeSplitters, it would unlikely take the form of a traditional retail product.
“The thing with TimeSplitters is, if we made a sequel to TimeSplitters, nobody would accept this apart from some fans, and we don’t know how big the fan community is unfortunately,” said Yerli.
“And we don’t want to design this as a packaged goods game that launches on a console, and even if we wanted to I don’t think publishers would like the idea. That is the truth, and that was the truth even before we bought Free Radical.”
The executive’s comments paint a bleak picture for the future of TimeSplitters, though it’s not the only words we’ve heard on the troubled project. Free Radical co-founder Steve Ellis confirmed that the company attempted to flog the idea to publishers prior to its acquisition to no avail.
That’s not to say Yerli is against the idea of a new game – far from it, in fact.
“The concept behind TimeSplitters was pitched around before we took over and Free Radical had no luck. We think even on CryEngine and with Crytek behind it there would be fundamental issues with the concept,” he explained.
“I love the idea, and I wish we’ll work on it, but currently we are not working on it. I wish we were working on it. I will say that. I think hopes are high, but change has to happen in the platform space.”
And change seems to be name of the game for Crytek, which is slowly transitioning to a free-to-play publisher. For Yerli, this may be the perfect setting for a new TimeSplitters title, given that the series is known for its great multiplayer offering.
“I’m very excited potentially about the idea of a TimeSplitters for G-Face. TimeSplitters had one of the most fun multiplayer games ever, and G-Face is a social entertainment platform – it’s about online gaming. I love the idea of a TimeSplitters for G-Face," he enthused.
The last TimeSplitters game was released back in 2005 for PlayStation 2, GameCube and Xbox.