Unsuccessful and successful projects

Unsuccessful games

Project name: Realms of Darkness

Developer: Mystical FX

Publisher: Grandslam video Ltd

Format: Amiga and pc.

In 1991 a company called Mystical Fx develop a game called ‘Realm of Darkness.’ This game was an arcade role playing game.  The unique thing about this game was that it combined both isometric and 2d views into one game. The game was ten months into development when it was shelved. Why was it shovelled?

The answer to this question is two fold.  First the team that was developing the game did not have much experience. This led them to making bad project management decisions like making unrealistic millstone deadlines. Poor games design that lacked detain and direction, These factor lead to the project running behide time.

The other factor was the publisher, Grandslam was a small publisher. It had a few hits under its belt ‘The Running Man’ and ‘Pac Mania.’ Some months into development grandslam went to the developer and ask if they could cut their monthly payments. The developer agreed to this on the understanding that all monies owed would be paid back in full.  The monies owed was not paid back this was a breach of contract on their part. It was at this point that the publisher to take direct control of the project and remove one of the developer director. This was on the understanding that he would still receive his share on the royalties on release of the game.  The remove director was not happy with this and took legal action. But then was pressure by the remaining director and the employees not to pursue this action. ‘Realms of Darkness’ was beginning to take shape, but the staff where not happy because of late payments of the salaries.  The publisher was not giving the project its full support.  Some months later the project was shelved.

To sum up

The development team did not have the experience to develop such a big project and the lack of financial support coursed problems with deadlines.  Because of the publisher lack of support and the fact they removed one the director, lead to a fundamental break down of the project.