Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Vivendi Shuts Down Indie King's Quest Title

Posted by Zonk on from the not-every-day-has-a-silver-lining dept.

edwardmolasses writes "An ambitious King's Quest fan game, in development since 2000 and nearing completion, has been shut down after a cease and desist letter from Vivendi Universal Games (formerly known as Sierra Entertainment). King's Quest IX: "Every Cloak Has A Silver Lining" was to be an alternative ending to the popular King's Quest series. The first chapter was to be released this winter. Some project stats: 40+ volunteer staff spread over five continents, 2000+ page script, 9 chapters, 450 characters, original theme music, and voice acting. Some screenshots can be seen here."

1 of 44 comments (clear)

  1. Wow, what jerks by Drachasor · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So, Vivendi doesn't want KQ9 to be made. I can understand that. I might disagree, but I can see their corporate view. (Even though the popularity such a game generated might help Vivendi sell an official KQ game in the future).

    What amazes me is how vile a tactic Vivendi used. KQ9 was in development since 2000. 2000! That's 5 or 6 years of work done by 40-odd people. After all this work, when the group is almost finished, Vivendi then decides to tell them they can't release it. Thus essentially turning 5+ years of work into a waste of time. This just seems evil and cruel.

    For those that don't care about the immorality of this, it also is horrible from a marketing viewpoint.

    I didn't even know this project existed a day ago, but I'm going to avoid Vivendi products in the future after this.

    -Drachasor