Space Games That FAILED: The Stories Behind Their Downfall

The video discusses the downfall of several space games, including Kerbal Space Program 2, Jumpgate Evolution, Star Wars Galaxies, Earth and Beyond, and Black Prophecy. These games faced challenges such as mismanagement, financial issues, controversial changes, gameplay criticisms, and competition in the MMO market, leading to negative reviews, declining player bases, and some games being shut down.

The video discusses several space games that faced challenges and ultimately failed to meet their potential. The first game highlighted is Kerbal Space Program 2, which was marked by delays, budget issues, and mismanagement. The decision to stick with the original game’s code base and lack of experienced developers hindered progress. Communication issues, low wages, and poor performance led to negative reviews upon release. The closure of Intercept Games, the studio working on KSP 2, has left the game’s future uncertain.

Jumpgate Evolution was a sequel to a space simulation MMO that faced financial challenges and delays after being acquired by a new company. Despite reaching a feature-complete state, the game never officially launched. The announcement of a spiritual successor, Warp Nexus, provided hope but updates on the project have been scarce. Star Wars Galaxies, a popular MMO, faced controversy with changes like the Combat Upgrade and New Game Enhancements, leading to a decline in subscriptions and eventual closure in 2011.

Earth and Beyond, a space-themed MMO developed by Westwood Studios, struggled to build a strong community due to extensive travel times and player isolation. Despite unique features like a three-part experience system, the game failed to compete with other MMOs of the time. Black Prophecy, a space combat MMO launched in 2011, faced financial troubles and gameplay criticisms. The game’s decline was swift, leading to its shutdown in 2012 due to financial instability and lack of player interest.

Overall, these space games faced various issues such as mismanagement, financial challenges, gameplay criticisms, and declining player bases. Despite their potential and initial excitement, factors like communication problems, poor performance, controversial changes, and competition in the MMO market contributed to their downfall. The closure of studios, uncertain futures, and lack of updates on potential successors have left fans disappointed and these games as cautionary tales in the world of space gaming.