Many fans were sad when Blur 2 got cancelled. It was supposed to be a cool new chapter for the Blur racing game. The game began its development right after the first game came out. But it stopped due to big challenges in the video game industry and important decisions.
The closing of Bizarre Creations in 2011 played a big part in this. Activision, the parent company, decided to close this studio. This affected many teams. In 2019, someone found a prototype of Blur 2 at an auction. It showed exciting ideas for the game, like races in different countries from Barcelona to Dubai.
Even though the prototype showed a lot of promise, economic issues and low sales of the first Blur were big reasons it was cancelled. Making and keeping games like this without releasing them is very hard. These challenges show how tough the video game world can be.
The Background of Blur and Its Initial Success
Blur began under Bizarre Creations and Activision. It was envisioned as “Mario Kart with Real World Cars.” By mixing intense combat and real racing, Blur aimed to stand out.
Introduction to Blur
Blur attracted a wide audience with its complex mechanics. Released in 2010, it built on the success of Project Gotham Racing and Geometry Wars. Real-world cars and power-ups made Blur unique in the race game world.
Reception and Sales Performance
Blur was praised for its novel concept, fun gameplay, and great graphics upon release. But, sales didn’t meet the hype. Competition from other games at the time hurt its numbers. Still, critics loved how Blur advanced racing games.
Expansion Plans for Blur 2
Activision and Bizarre Creations planned big for Blur 2. They aimed to develop a new 3D engine and add interactive tracks. Features like rainstorms and new racing moves were to enhance the experience. They hoped Blur 2 would overcome the first game’s sales issues and grow the series.
The Development Journey of Blur 2
The Blur 2 development started right after the first game came out. It was full of Bizarre Creations’ vision to make racing games better. They wanted to use new gaming technology to change how we play and raise the game in racing.
Early Development Stages
In the early days, the team at Bizarre Creations worked hard on planning. They improved the game engine for better track interactions and weather effects. Right from the start, they aimed to add big changes to how the game is played. They wanted to include a new power-up that looked cool. This power-up would let players attack rivals and change the race track in real-time.
Conceptual Enhancements and Features
A big part of Blur 2’s development was making great concept art and different, eye-catching places to race. They created tracks in places like Detroit and Hong Kong to make things more exciting. They also planned to add new cars and power-ups to keep the game fun and new. The team’s push to use new gaming technology and bring new ideas into the game was clear.
| Feature | Expectation |
|---|---|
| New Engine | Enhanced track interaction and climate-based disruptions |
| Power-Ups | Replacing ‘Shunt’ with visually spectacular energy pulse |
| Concept Art | Settings in Detroit and Hong Kong |
| New Cars & Tracks | Diverse range with dynamic racing environments |
Main Factors Behind Blur 2’s Cancellation
Several key factors led to the cancellation of Blur 2 by Activision. Knowing these reasons helps us understand the issues. These issues affected the original Blur and its planned sequel.
Sales Performance of the First Blur
Blur didn’t sell as expected, despite great reviews. It was released in 2010 and got scores around 8/10 and even 9 sometimes. But it didn’t do well in stores. This poor sale was a big reason why Activision closed Bizarre Creations.
Economic Factors Affecting Activision
Before Blur 2 started, a big downturn hurt Activision’s plans. This bad economy made them rethink investing in new ideas like Blur. They had to pick where to put their money carefully. They preferred projects that were sure to make money.
Strategic Business Decisions
Activision looked at market trends and decided to focus on titles that were doing well. They saw that new IPs needed a lot of money but might not be successful. So, they chose to invest in games that were sure to earn. Blur 2 didn’t fit this plan, leading to its stop. This was a clear message that Activision wanted to focus on making more money with fewer risks.
Why was Blur 2 cancelled?
The video game cancellation of Blur 2 was due to many reasons. A big one was Blur’s reception, which missed the mark on sales despite being innovative. Blur, made by Bizarre Creations and released in 2010 by Activision, wanted to change arcade racing games. Yet, the love for traditional racing games was going down.
Blur did not sell well, causing Activision to think it over. Work on Blur 2 started right after the first game came out. But it couldn’t keep its support. In 2011, Activision decided to focus on projects that were sure to make money. This choice led to Blur 2 being cancelled.
The economy and Activision’s own money issues also played a part. Though there was a lot of interest and money put into Blur 2, it couldn’t beat the market forces. Interesting to note, in 2020, some of Blur 2’s work got out. It showed new cars and power-ups that were planned.
People were excited for Blur 2, with game settings in places like Barcelona and Miami. But, those ideas were never brought to life. The end of Blur 2 is a note to the game world. It shows that even with a lot of potential and excitement, projects can fail due to market and business shifts.
| Development Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Blur Release | 2010 |
| Blur 2 Development Start | 2010 |
| Planned Release | 2013 |
| Key Locations | Barcelona, Hollywood Hills, Miami, Dubai, North Africa |
| Developer | Bizarre Creations |
| Publisher | Activision |
| Confirmed Car Manufacturers | Ultima, Ferrari, Mazda, RUF, Bugatti, Mitsubishi |
| New Game Mode | “Fans” – competition to gather most fans |
The Shuttering of Bizarre Creations
The closure of Bizarre Creations was a big moment for many in the game world. It was known for making new types of games. The closing affected many people in different ways.
Activision’s Official Statement
In Activision’s announcement, they said closing Bizarre Creations was needed due to changes in racing games and Blur’s sales. The studio’s talent was clear. But, economic factors played a role. Activision thought about selling the studio to lessen the blow.
Impact on Development Team
The dissolution of Bizarre Creations led to big shifts for the team. Layoffs were part of larger trends in the UK’s game scene. From 2009 to 2011, 41% of those who lost jobs moved abroad. This showed the tough side of game development closures.
The end of Bizarre Creations also stopped Blur 2 in its tracks. It showed how uncertain making games can be. Yet, Bizarre’s spirit lives on. This is through the industry’s growth and new chances in gaming.
| Impact Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Capital | 1 million yen ($12,000) plus 9 million yen from founder |
| Sega’s Investment | 10% of total capital |
| Concept Approval | 4 years, Let’s Tap approved |
| Video Game Layoffs | 41% of employees relocated |
| Post-Closure Development | Lucid Games formed, 50 new jobs |
Leaked Footage and Prototypes
The revealing of Blur 2 prototypes has sparked excitement. Fans now have a peek into its possibilities. This enriches the game’s story and hints at its untapped potential.
Leaked Videos of Blur 2
In January 2020, a prototype leak gave fans a glance at gameplay from 2010. The footage revealed stages like Brighton with stormy effects and breakable surroundings. These elements suggested new mechanics from Bizarre Creations for the sequel.
The gameplay footage made fans more curious. It brought more attention to this unfinished game.
Insights from Prototypes
The Blur 2 prototypes showed off a great car lineup with brands like Ferrari, Mazda, and RUF. They also revealed places and tracks not released, in cities such as Barcelona, Dubai, and San Francisco.
The discovery came from an Xbox 360 development console bought at an auction, dated November 9, 2010. It revealed hidden aspects of the game.
New Features and Tracks
A notable discovery was the ‘Fans’ mode. It aimed to gather the most supporters in a race. This mode would add strategy and competition to the game.
There were also tracks planned in locations like Hollywood Hills, Miami, and North Africa. New power-ups were intended to spice up the gameplay.
| City | Planned Event Date |
|---|---|
| Hollywood Hills & LA Downtown | September 10, 2012 |
| Brighton | September 29, 2012 |
| San Francisco | October 6, 2012 |
| Miami | November 15, 2012 |
| New York City | November 18, 2012 |
| Dubai | January 7, 2013 |
| North Africa | January 11, 2013 |
| Odessa | January 19, 2013 |
Legacy and Fan Reactions
The end of Blur 2 was a big letdown for fans. It sparked a huge wave of nostalgia. Everyone started talking about what could have been. To many, Blur 2 was more than just a sequel. It was seen as a fresh take on gaming and storytelling.
Community Response to Cancellation
Fans quickly voiced their upset online. They showed how much they loved the original Blur and its vision. This passion showed the deep impact of the game. It was proof of its lasting effect and its fresh ideas.
Fan Efforts to Revive Blur 2
Fans did more than just talk. They started many campaigns to bring the game back. One important effort was a petition for Blur 2. This petition got a lot of support. It showed how much people wanted the game back.
Fans kept fighting because Blur left a big mark. Their efforts over the years show their love for the game. They keep hoping to see Blur 2 released one day.
| Key Elements | Details |
|---|---|
| Initial Success | Blur got a strong following thanks to its new gameplay and visuals. |
| Cancellation Impact | Fans were let down and quickly showed their feelings online. |
| Fan Initiatives | Lots of petitions and community efforts, showing big fan support. |
| Video Game Legacy | A lasting cult phenomenon, keeping fans active in their support and discussions. |
Conclusion
The story of Blur 2’s cancellation shows us the big challenges in making video games. Blur sold 31,000 units in just five days and later hit 500,000 sales. It got great reviews, like 82/100 on Metacritic for Xbox 360. It was loved for its multiplayer features. But, in February 2011, Activision closed down Bizarre Creations. This move showed the tough financial truths that can stop creative ideas.
Blur 2 could have taught the industry a lot. It reminds us that knowing the market and handling development is key. Activision made a choice because of the changing game world and the struggle to get a big audience. Even with a new engine and cool ideas, Blur 2 was never finished. It shows the risks of game making.
Still, Blur 2 is not forgotten. Fans talk about it and try to keep its memory alive. There is leaked footage and prototypes out there. These efforts show how important it is to keep these unfinished games. It’s a way to remember what Bizarre Creations did. It also shows why saving such projects matters for history and learning. The Blur 2 story is a lesson in the game world’s ups and downs.
