The fan-made remake of TimeSplitters, TimeSplitters Rewind, is facing an uncertain future. With the original developers of the franchise, Free Radical, no longer in operation, TimeSplitters Rewind is now in need of additional support to overcome development challenges. The team behind the project has been working tirelessly for over a decade, but the troubled state of the games industry has made their efforts more difficult.
TimeSplitters Rewind began its development journey in 2012 with the blessing of Crytek, the then-IP owners. The goal was to bring back the maps, modes, and characters from TimeSplitters, TimeSplitters 2, and Future Perfect in a free multiplayer-only collection. Over the years, the game has transitioned from CryEngine to Unreal Engine, showcasing a modernized yet faithful recreation of the classic titles.
The Current State
While the latest developer video of TimeSplitters Rewind demonstrates a polished and promising rendition of the franchise, the team acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. From finalizing functional maps to adding animations for weapons and character selection screens, the project is far from completion. The challenges posed by the games industry, including potential layoffs and changes to the IP landscape, have made it difficult for the volunteer developers to dedicate more time to the project.
Lead writer Jake Parr has openly discussed the state of TimeSplitters Rewind and issued a call for help. The project is in need of interested artists, designers, and animators to provide the additional support and focus required to make the first release the best it can be. Without more development aid, the fan-made tribute may have to scale back its ambitions, potentially limiting the representation from TimeSplitters 2 and Future Perfect.
TimeSplitters Rewind stands at a critical juncture. The passion and dedication of the team behind the project are evident, but external challenges have put its future in jeopardy. By rallying support from the community and enlisting the help of talented individuals, TimeSplitters Rewind may yet have a chance to shine as a fitting homage to the beloved first-person shooter franchise.
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