TimeSplitters Rewind, a fan-made project aiming to revive the iconic multiplayer experience of the TimeSplitters franchise, has been in development since 2012. Originally given the green light by Crytek, the current IP owners, the team behind this ambitious project set out to recreate maps, modes, and characters from TimeSplitters, TimeSplitters 2, and Future Perfect in a free multiplayer collection. Over the past decade, the game has transitioned from CryEngine to Unreal Engine, showcasing a modernized yet faithful recreation of the beloved titles from the early 2000s.
Despite the impressive progress made by the dedicated team of developers, the future of TimeSplitters Rewind is uncertain. The closure of Free Radical, the original developers of TimeSplitters, has cast a shadow over this fan project, leaving it as one of the remaining hopes for fans of the franchise. However, the recent call for help from the team highlights the significant challenges they are facing in completing the game. Issues such as finishing up functional maps, adding animations for weapons and characters, and navigating the volatile games industry have slowed down the development process.
The state of the games industry over the past year has been described as “incredibly challenging” by the TimeSplitters Rewind team. The team of volunteer developers, already juggling the project with their day jobs, has found it increasingly difficult to dedicate the necessary time and energy to meet their goals. The ever-changing landscape of the IP, compounded by potential layoffs and a tough job market, has added to the strain. Lead writer Jake Parr’s candid discussion about the project’s current state is a plea for additional support from artists, designers, and animators to breathe new life into TimeSplitters Rewind.
The future of TimeSplitters Rewind hangs in the balance as the team faces the possibility of scaling back their ambitions without additional assistance. Without a firm release date in sight, the project’s potential to deliver a complete and polished multiplayer experience is at risk. Parr’s call for help emphasizes the need for a more refined focus and additional resources to ensure that the first release of TimeSplitters Rewind lives up to the expectations of fans. The team acknowledges that without changes to their composition, representation from TimeSplitters 2 and Future Perfect may be limited, underscoring the importance of community involvement in keeping the project alive.
TimeSplitters Rewind stands at a crossroads, caught between the passion of its dedicated developers and the harsh realities of the gaming industry. The call for help represents a pivotal moment for the project, where the support of artists, designers, and animators could make all the difference in shaping the future of this fan-made tribute. As fans eagerly await the revival of the beloved franchise, the outcome of this plea for assistance may determine whether TimeSplitters Rewind becomes a fitting homage or fades into obscurity.
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