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Source: Frontier's canned 'The Outsider' project was actually 'The Bourne Redemption,' and we've got the greenlight video [updated]
It seems that the plot surrounding Frontier Developments' canceled project, "The Outsider," grows thicker. A video sent to Joystiq this morning by an anonymous source reveals that the game was actually a Jason Bourne-based project known as "The Bourne Redemption." But wait, that game footage looks mighty familiar -- is that The Outsider? Sure looks like it, but now it's known as "The Bourne Redemption." Interesting! And given that the clip is interspersed with footage from the third Bourne film, "The Bourne Ultimatum," we're guessing that Frontier was hard at work on "The Outsider" / "The Bourne Redemption" when the project was canned for a variety of reasons. Moreover, the clip we were sent is specifically noted as the "greenlight" for the project, which either means it's moving forward or, more likely, this video was the original proof of concept that got the ball rolling on development. We'd love to tell you more, but other than the clip above, we don't know much else. But perhaps you do? You're welcome to tip us with more info! We've reached out to both EA and Frontier for comment. Update: We've added much more information on the subject, just past the break.
Frontier's stalled 'The Outsider' project seen in action [update: now with more footage!]
Frontier Developments may have put the kibosh on continued development of its open-world action title, The Outsider, but that doesn't mean footage of the game isn't out there. Ex-Frontier sound engineer Kyle Nichol wrangled some of that footage and posted it up on his portfolio site, showcasing the first bit of in-game action that we've seen from the stalled project. The Outsider seems to take a few cues from Ubisoft's Splinter Cell series -- especially the latest entry in that franchise -- though the clip only offers a few brief glimpses of actual gameplay, unfortunately. However, this may not be the last we see on The Outsider, as the developer specifically noted earlier this year that the project was down, but not out. "There is still publisher interest in the project and we haven't canceled it," studio head David Braben explained at the time. It appears support will have to come from outside Codemasters and EA, with whom discussions fell through some time ago. Update: We added a second video of the game in action after the break, found on Alistair Lindsay's portfolio page. He was the former "Head of Audio" at Frontier Developments, ending in April of this year. Update 2: The original video has been removed it seems, but a third video has now been added (via Alistair Lindsay's portfolio page) which shows yet more gameplay. We've replaced the above video (which has been taken down) with the second video from Mr. Lindsay. [Thanks, Daniel.]
Frontier's 'The Outsider' on hold, but not canceled
It seems The Outsider's inability to gel with a publisher has finally forced Frontier Developments to put the game on hold, according to statements made by studio head David Braben to Rock, Paper, Shotgun and Develop. "We have had to change priorities because of requirements on other unannounced projects," Braben told RPS, implying that development on The Outsider had ceased in favor of more promising ventures. "There is still publisher interest in the project," he later clarified to Develop, "and we haven't canceled it." The Outsider was first announced by Frontier in 2005 and billed as an action thriller designed to offer "genuine freedom" in gameplay and narrative. Players would assume the role of a rogue CIA agent in "an immersive, dynamic world and storyline" set in Washington, D.C. "This gives the player genuine freedom to change the story outcomes in a way not seen before," promises an ambitious game description on Frontier's site, adding, "each player will get a truly unique, sophisticated experience." Following a failed courtship with Codemasters, it seemed the title had found its suitor in EA, but the publishing deal fell through, according to RPS's source; who also said that 17 Frontier employees had been laid off this week, in addition to a reported dozen staffers that lost their jobs late last year. "Some people have been moved," Braben confirmed to RPS, "and we are very sad to have made some people redundant." Frontier's other known project, Elite 4, was put on hold last May. In November, the studio released Kinectimals to generally positive reviews, though there has been no indication as to its sales status.
Elite II, LostWinds dev Frontier joins ELSPA
The UK-based Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association, or ELSPA for short, has a new face on board. Seasoned game designer David Braben and his crack team of devs at Frontier Developments have joined the trade body, no doubt wooed by the organization's rumored regular meetings to play Twister.Braben wowed early gamers with his influential space sim, Elite, as well as its 1993 sequel, Frontier. Braben's latest release strayed far from his roots, however, in last year's WiiWare platformer, LostWinds. In joining the ELSPA, Braben says he hopes to help the organization deal with such issues as piracy, ratings and used game sales "swiftly and efficiently." Still, given that the studio's current project, The Outsider, was first announced in 2006, and we're still waiting on Elite IV, we're not convinced speed is how Braben and company roll.
