Impressions Games Closing

[Keith Heitmann]

Apparently the rumor that has been floating around for the past week is true. Impressions Games is being closed down by Vivendi Universal/Sierra.

Lords of the Realm 3 was the last gasp from that decimated development studio. There have been four different development teams workiing on L3 for the past 5 years, due to staff cutbacks and firings. Little wonder why the game had been so disappointing to some people. There will be no patches or support for Lords of the Realm III forthcoming from Impressions Games.

It seems that VU/Sierra has been trying to sell both Impressions Games and Papyrus Games studios for some time and failing that they will be closed. Papyrus is the creator of the famous Nascar Racing simulation series.

Most of the Impressions Games team that were responsible for the popular Lords of the Realm I and II, and citybuilder (Caesar III, Pharoah, Cleopatra, Zeus, Poseidon) were let go almost two years ago and have since joined together to form a new independent development studio called Tilted Mill.

Tilted Mill recently announced the subject of their first game release, a citybuilder, called "Children of the Nile", which will offer 3D graphics for the first time in a citybuilder game.

At this point it seems that VU/Sierra intent on dismantling itself and seems to be more interested in promoting its console and PC games based on the Unversal Studio properties like Crash Bandicoot, The Hulk and the new upcoming Van Helsing movie.

Most of the old Sierra standards are no longer offered or supported. Their websites have been closed down and most of their messageboards have been lumped together on the "Classic Games" (read "discontinued) games section of the Community Forums.

Today is a sad day in the game development industry.

[Redbirdy]

Hmmm. Well "sad" is a huge understatement as far as I'm concerned. I've had my head buried in EverQuest for so long that I hadn't heard the rumors. I hope Tilted Mill will try to carry on the great traditions of Pharaoh and the rest.

[Keith Heitmann]

Tilted Mill is going full steam ahead and will be releasing their new generation of citybuilder this coming holiday season. The game is going to use a licensed version of the Empire Earth 3D game engine. See the new CotN section for screenshots and info.

[Phil Walker]

Well, not to play "Devil's Advocate", but never give up hope. Even though VU SEEMS to have dumped things with their take over, they are willing to listen to what we have to say. I'm not saying any of us alone can make them switch their line of thinking, but the more of us who say something, the greater the possibilities. I have started some correspondence as they seem willing to listen, so who can say for sure?! I did mention the quandry with Lords 3, so mybe, JUST MAYBE, something can be worked out for us. Maybe I'm too much of an optomist, but I say never give up as long as SOMEBODY will listen, which seems they are for now at least. Just a thought and HOPE!!! ;D

Sincerely,
Phil

[Keith Heitmann]

The only hope we have for a new citybuilder from VU is if they contract with BreakAway Games, as they did for Cleopatra and Emperor, to create one based on the old game engine.

[Phil Walker]

What you say is true I have no doubt. However to use a quote from the "Spiritual" Realm, "You have not because you ask not". So, has anybody besides me even asked about these things is the question?! If so, how many have?? One voice will only make a ripple in a puddle where many could make a splash within a lake. So, all I say is worth inquiring about as I am with both a city builder AND the Lords series. How about the rest of you? Are you REALLY interested??

Sincerely,
Phil

[Keith Heitmann]

It never hurts to ask, or, for that matter, demand that a series be continued. The best bets are to send them emails or snail mail directly and not do so on their forums, because the only connection between you and the company there are the volunteer moderators, such as myself, that are already on your side for the most part. Company employees don't often read the boards for such things if they are there at all.

[Phil Walker]

I couldn't agree with you more Keith!!!

I DID say earlier that I HAVE started a correspondence directly with them. Of course it's going through channels to get to the right people. However, those who have read it are agreeable to what I'm saying. So, I have "made a mark" at least...

Sincerely,
Phil

[Redbirdy]

While I've never been a huge fan of the Lords series (I bought the first one but never could get into it) I do find the current trend of software companies to pass up the "thinking" games like city-builders for the "no brains required" games to be quite depressing. Given that computers have become more affordable for everyone I guess it was a trend that could have been predicted.

-J

[Phil Walker]

All points well taken! None the less there are SOME of us who use our heads for something besides a "hat rack". So, being as I am the persistant type (and just ask ANYONE who knows or has corresponded with me) I do desire to exhaust all options before giving up. Even if I stand alone, I do get my point across.

Now, as to the Lords Series, I must tell you that the first one was the worst one. I had trouble with that one myself and did get depressed with it at times. However once "2" came out, I really started to enjoy it. As some don't like, 3 is NOT an update or remake of 2 as they are both entirely different. Both have positives in their own way. So, being as I'm not you, I can only suggest and my suggestion is to get one of the others before drawing any conclusions as both ARE good games. In my not so humble opinion, to merge the two together and those who have both I think know what I mean, then you WOULD have the IDEAL "Medieval" setting game.

Just MY opinion of course!!! ;D


Sincerely,
Phil