Descent 4
Encyclopedia
Descent 4 is a planned fourth installment in the Descent
series published by the re-emerging publisher, Interplay Entertainment
. While the game has had a troubled development history, Interplay Entertainment confirmed in 2008 that they have plans for developing the game after raising funds for the development of an MMO based on the Fallout franchise.
, a new project at Volition, was Descent 4, since Red Faction's main character was named Parker and some of the plot points for Red Faction were very similar to Descent as was mentioned in the PlanetDescent interview, but Mike Kulas, then-president of Volition Inc.
, denied that Red Faction was Descent 4, although he admitted that technologies that were in development for Descent 4 were being used in Red Faction. PlanetDescent also asked if there was to be a Descent 4 developed by Volition after Red Faction in the then-foreseeable future. Mr. Kulas stated that it seemed very unlikely that they would work on a Descent sequel. This could possibly be because in 2000, Volition left Interplay Entertainment to be part of THQ
.
reported that Interplay has announced that it will restart its in-house development studio and has plans to develop a Descent sequel (likely to be Descent 4) amongst other classic Interplay IPs if Interplay can secure financing for any possible sequels.
On March 31, 2008, Interplay Entertainment released their quarterly report which highlighted their development plans for possible sequels:
Descent (video game)
Descent is a 3D first-person shooter video game developed by Parallax Software and released by Interplay Entertainment Corp. in 1995. The game features six degrees of freedom gameplay and garnered several expansion packs...
series published by the re-emerging publisher, Interplay Entertainment
Interplay Entertainment
Interplay Entertainment Corporation is an American video game developer and publisher, founded in 1983 as Interplay Productions by Brian Fargo. The company had been a quality developer until they started publishing their own games in 1988, like Neuromancer and Battle Chess. The company was renamed...
. While the game has had a troubled development history, Interplay Entertainment confirmed in 2008 that they have plans for developing the game after raising funds for the development of an MMO based on the Fallout franchise.
Development
Development of Descent 4 was officially cancelled in 2000 as revealed by a PlanetDescent interview conducted on September 11, 2000. Some speculation was made that Red FactionRed Faction
Red Faction is a first-person shooter video game developed by Volition, Inc. and published by THQ. It was released for the PlayStation 2, Microsoft Windows and Mac in 2001. A version for the Nokia N-Gage was developed by Monkeystone Games. The game was also re-developed as a top-down shooter for...
, a new project at Volition, was Descent 4, since Red Faction's main character was named Parker and some of the plot points for Red Faction were very similar to Descent as was mentioned in the PlanetDescent interview, but Mike Kulas, then-president of Volition Inc.
Volition Inc.
Volition, Inc. is an American video game developer. Volition is located in Champaign, Illinois. The company was created when Parallax Software was split in two, led by Mike Kulas in November 1996...
, denied that Red Faction was Descent 4, although he admitted that technologies that were in development for Descent 4 were being used in Red Faction. PlanetDescent also asked if there was to be a Descent 4 developed by Volition after Red Faction in the then-foreseeable future. Mr. Kulas stated that it seemed very unlikely that they would work on a Descent sequel. This could possibly be because in 2000, Volition left Interplay Entertainment to be part of THQ
THQ
THQ Inc. is an American developer and publisher of video games. Founded in 1989 in the United States, the company develops products for video game consoles, handheld game systems, as well as for personal computers and wireless devices...
.
Descent 4 announcements
On November 13, 2007, GameSpotGameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
reported that Interplay has announced that it will restart its in-house development studio and has plans to develop a Descent sequel (likely to be Descent 4) amongst other classic Interplay IPs if Interplay can secure financing for any possible sequels.
On March 31, 2008, Interplay Entertainment released their quarterly report which highlighted their development plans for possible sequels:
- "We have sold “Fallout” to a third party and have obtained the License Back to allow us to create, develop and exploit a “Fallout” MMOG. We are planning to exploit the License Back of “Fallout” MMOG and are reviewing the avenues for securing financing of at least $30 million to fund its production."
- "The Company is now focused on a two-pronged growth strategy. While the Company is working to secure funding for the development of a MMOG based on the popular “Fallout” franchise, the Company is at the same time exploring ways to leverage its portfolio of gaming properties through sequels and various development and publishing arrangements. The Company is planning, if the Company can obtain financing, to develop sequels to some of the most successful games, including Earthworm Jim, Dark Alliance, Descent and MDK. The Company has reinitiated its in-house game development studio, and has hired game developers. Initial funding for these steps will mainly derive from the remaining proceeds from the sale of “Fallout” and license arrangements that the Company enters into."