Amazing Fan Games That the Companies Shut Down
advertisement
VOICE OVER: Ashley Bowman
WRITTEN BY: Andrew Tejada
Fans are passionate about their games, and some just want to restore or preserve that affection by remaking the game as a fan mod, like the Star Wars KotOR remake, Silent Hill P.T. or Legend of Zelda Maker. More often than not however, as soon as the fan's version of the game gets enough hype, Mr. Lawyer steps in and shuts it down :(
Amazing Fan Games Companies Shut Down
Sometimes gaming companies really don’t want people playing around with their ideas. Welcome to Mojoplays and today we’re looking at some great fan games companies shut down.
For this list, we're focusing on fan projects with serious potential that would’ve been amazing. Unfortunately, these games had to be taken down or made unavailable for download after creators were contacted by corporate representatives or threatened with legal action.
“Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes” (Canceled)
While the sequel to Square Enix’s beloved “Chrono Trigger” was well received, some fans were disappointed that it didn’t revolve around the first game’s main characters. In the early 2000s, a group named Kajar Laboratories started work on a sequel that focused on the original cast. “Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes” was a ROM Hack of the first game. This meant they used the original’s source code while adding new visuals, side quests and a storyline with ten different endings. After nearly five years of work, Square Enix sent Kajar Laboratories a cease-and-desist order. Tragically, this occurred only weeks before the game’s planned release.
“P.T. for PC” (Canceled)
P.T.’s creepy sound design, unsettling visuals, and haunting atmosphere made it one of the most terrifying video game demos ever. Although this playable teaser for Konami’s “Silent Hills” received universal praise, it was removed from the PlayStation Store after the game was canceled. The demo seemed inaccessible until 17-year-old designer Qimsar decided to build an exact replica for P.C. As he neared completion, the young designer received a call from Konami. Although the caller asked Qimsar to take his P.T. down, he was allegedly offered merchandise and an internship opportunity for the work he put into his homemade nightmare fuel.
“Pokémon Uranium” (2016)
In 2016, creators Involuntary Twitch and JV launched Pokémon Uranium. Their RPG featured over 100 fan-made Pokémon, a new region to explore and a nuclear Pokémon type. The creators even added a functioning online mode for trainers looking to test their mettle. Since Uranium looked and felt like a main entry in the franchise, it wasn’t surprising that Nintendo sent takedown notices to websites with the game’s download link. Although the creators removed their official link to the game, over a million players got their hands on the game before its takedown. It seems like Nintendo couldn’t catch all of Uranium’s fans before they started a new adventure.
“Apeiron” (Canceled)
Nowadays, it seems like every classic game is getting remastered. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.” The critical smash seemed destined to miss the remaster train until Poem Studios got involved. Using Unreal Engine 4, they built a conversion mod of “KOTR” with updated graphics while planning additional content. Players still had to buy the original game to enjoy the mod. Despite their efforts to support the official title, Lucasfilm considered the mod an unlicensed use of Star Wars property and demanded that Poem Studios destroy it. Guess we’ll have to settle for the incredible original.
“Zelda Maker” (Canceled)
Developer Justin Sink was inspired to take Super Mario Maker’s level design concept to Hyrule. His “Zelda Maker” would’ve allowed players to create custom maps for Link to explore with their desired number of enemies and puzzles. However, after Nintendo found out, they filed DMCA claims against the download link and videos featuring the gameplay. Sink didn’t let the news slow him down. After founding Dream Mix Games, he used elements of “Zelda Maker” to make a level design program named “Adventure Maker” and is using it to create an RPG of his own entitled “Runiya”.
“Galaxy in Turmoil” (Canceled)
After years of development hell, “Star Wars Battlefront III” was officially struck down by LucasFilms in 2012. Although the series was rebooted in 2015, it didn’t satisfy everyone. Feeling a disturbance in the force, Frontwire Studios decided to make their own “Battlefront III”. Entitled “Star Wars: Galaxy in Turmoil”, the game promised a single player campaign, space combat, and massive multiplayer battles. Despite setting up a free release on Steam, LucasArts requested that Frontwire remove all Star Wars references. Frontwire then took the gameplay they programmed to start a new project. While its release date is uncertain, it’ll probably be better received than Battlefront II.
“AM2R” (2016)
On the 30th anniversary of Samus’ first adventure, fans were in for a special treat. “AM2R: Another Metroid 2 Remake” was finally ready for release. By combining the story of Metroid II with the best elements from other entries in the franchise, AM2R was primed to give Metroid fans the adventure they had been waiting for. Even Nintendo was completely supportive! Just kidding, the company sent takedown requests within a day of the game’s release. AM2R creator Doctor Mario 64 took the abrupt end to his project in stride and even complimented Nintendo when they announced their official Metroid II remake.
“Fighting is Magic” (Canceled)
If you ever wanted to see ponies beat the friendship out of each other, the Mane6 team had you covered. Their “Fighting Is Magic” project would’ve featured “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” characters duking it out with their...hooves. Unfortunately, the show’s parent company, Hasbro, issued a cease and desist order. As Mane6 started revamping the game, the show’s creator, Lauren Faust, expressed interest in creating new characters for them. With her artwork and crowdfunding, Mane6 released an early access version of their new project, “Them’s Fighting Herds”. The story behind this four-legged fighter beating the odds just might inspire other fan creators to pursue their projects.
Sometimes gaming companies really don’t want people playing around with their ideas. Welcome to Mojoplays and today we’re looking at some great fan games companies shut down.
For this list, we're focusing on fan projects with serious potential that would’ve been amazing. Unfortunately, these games had to be taken down or made unavailable for download after creators were contacted by corporate representatives or threatened with legal action.
“Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes” (Canceled)
While the sequel to Square Enix’s beloved “Chrono Trigger” was well received, some fans were disappointed that it didn’t revolve around the first game’s main characters. In the early 2000s, a group named Kajar Laboratories started work on a sequel that focused on the original cast. “Chrono Trigger: Crimson Echoes” was a ROM Hack of the first game. This meant they used the original’s source code while adding new visuals, side quests and a storyline with ten different endings. After nearly five years of work, Square Enix sent Kajar Laboratories a cease-and-desist order. Tragically, this occurred only weeks before the game’s planned release.
“P.T. for PC” (Canceled)
P.T.’s creepy sound design, unsettling visuals, and haunting atmosphere made it one of the most terrifying video game demos ever. Although this playable teaser for Konami’s “Silent Hills” received universal praise, it was removed from the PlayStation Store after the game was canceled. The demo seemed inaccessible until 17-year-old designer Qimsar decided to build an exact replica for P.C. As he neared completion, the young designer received a call from Konami. Although the caller asked Qimsar to take his P.T. down, he was allegedly offered merchandise and an internship opportunity for the work he put into his homemade nightmare fuel.
“Pokémon Uranium” (2016)
In 2016, creators Involuntary Twitch and JV launched Pokémon Uranium. Their RPG featured over 100 fan-made Pokémon, a new region to explore and a nuclear Pokémon type. The creators even added a functioning online mode for trainers looking to test their mettle. Since Uranium looked and felt like a main entry in the franchise, it wasn’t surprising that Nintendo sent takedown notices to websites with the game’s download link. Although the creators removed their official link to the game, over a million players got their hands on the game before its takedown. It seems like Nintendo couldn’t catch all of Uranium’s fans before they started a new adventure.
“Apeiron” (Canceled)
Nowadays, it seems like every classic game is getting remastered. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for “Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.” The critical smash seemed destined to miss the remaster train until Poem Studios got involved. Using Unreal Engine 4, they built a conversion mod of “KOTR” with updated graphics while planning additional content. Players still had to buy the original game to enjoy the mod. Despite their efforts to support the official title, Lucasfilm considered the mod an unlicensed use of Star Wars property and demanded that Poem Studios destroy it. Guess we’ll have to settle for the incredible original.
“Zelda Maker” (Canceled)
Developer Justin Sink was inspired to take Super Mario Maker’s level design concept to Hyrule. His “Zelda Maker” would’ve allowed players to create custom maps for Link to explore with their desired number of enemies and puzzles. However, after Nintendo found out, they filed DMCA claims against the download link and videos featuring the gameplay. Sink didn’t let the news slow him down. After founding Dream Mix Games, he used elements of “Zelda Maker” to make a level design program named “Adventure Maker” and is using it to create an RPG of his own entitled “Runiya”.
“Galaxy in Turmoil” (Canceled)
After years of development hell, “Star Wars Battlefront III” was officially struck down by LucasFilms in 2012. Although the series was rebooted in 2015, it didn’t satisfy everyone. Feeling a disturbance in the force, Frontwire Studios decided to make their own “Battlefront III”. Entitled “Star Wars: Galaxy in Turmoil”, the game promised a single player campaign, space combat, and massive multiplayer battles. Despite setting up a free release on Steam, LucasArts requested that Frontwire remove all Star Wars references. Frontwire then took the gameplay they programmed to start a new project. While its release date is uncertain, it’ll probably be better received than Battlefront II.
“AM2R” (2016)
On the 30th anniversary of Samus’ first adventure, fans were in for a special treat. “AM2R: Another Metroid 2 Remake” was finally ready for release. By combining the story of Metroid II with the best elements from other entries in the franchise, AM2R was primed to give Metroid fans the adventure they had been waiting for. Even Nintendo was completely supportive! Just kidding, the company sent takedown requests within a day of the game’s release. AM2R creator Doctor Mario 64 took the abrupt end to his project in stride and even complimented Nintendo when they announced their official Metroid II remake.
“Fighting is Magic” (Canceled)
If you ever wanted to see ponies beat the friendship out of each other, the Mane6 team had you covered. Their “Fighting Is Magic” project would’ve featured “My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic” characters duking it out with their...hooves. Unfortunately, the show’s parent company, Hasbro, issued a cease and desist order. As Mane6 started revamping the game, the show’s creator, Lauren Faust, expressed interest in creating new characters for them. With her artwork and crowdfunding, Mane6 released an early access version of their new project, “Them’s Fighting Herds”. The story behind this four-legged fighter beating the odds just might inspire other fan creators to pursue their projects.
