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IGN: Six Days in Fallujah complete, awaiting release [update: it's true!]
Update: An Atomic Games representative got back to us this afternoon and said, "Yes, IGN did talk to somebody, we can't say who, but they did talk to someone. From what I understand that person did say that the game is finished and coming out. What I have for information is the game is still going to be coming out. 'Cause we have a game coming out first, we'll be working on that before Six Days in Fallujah. But yes it's finished. That doesn't mean there won't be new features, and new technology incorporated into the game engine." We'll be speaking with Atomic Games later in the month regarding the game, so keep an eye on the site in the coming weeks for more information. Original: According to IGN, "a source close to the game's development" at Atomic Games confirmed that the studio's controversial FPS, Six Days in Fallujah (based on the real-life Battle of Fallujah), is not just "coming out," but also "finished." There is no clear declaration whether or not Atomic has acquired a new publisher for the title after Konami dropped it last year, nor is there any information on a possible release date. When last we heard from studio head Peter Tamte back in October, he was still saying his company "remains committed" to the eventual release of Six Days in Fallujah. We've contacted the developer to confirm the anonymous source's claims and will let you know if we hear anything back -- but don't hold your breath. %Gallery-49389%
Atomic turns to Wii FPS port, not giving up on Fallujah
You'd be forgiven for taking Atomic Games' announcement of a Wii FPS as the final nail in the coffin for semi-documentary game Six Days in Fallujah. Atomic says that, even though it's releasing a ported and renamed version of 2005's Close Combat: First to Fight for Wii (through publisher Destineer), it's not giving up on its original project, which was axed by Konami in April. The news that Marines: Modern Urban Combat -- huh, what do you mean that subtitle sounds familiar? -- will arrive November 10 comes after rumors that layoffs had all but shuttered the studio. Though Atomic's on to other projects, Gamasutra reports that the developer's president, Peter Tamte, still insists it "remains committed" to Fallujah. We're happy to see that Atomic's still plugging along, but if you're expecting to see Six Days in Fallujah anytime soon ... well, just don't.
Rumor: Atomic Games is 'pretty much dead'
Following Atomic Games' unfortunate news yesterday, an inside source has told IndustryGamers that the situation is much more dire than we were lead to believe. "Out of 75 people, less than a dozen are left and about a third of that isn't even developers," the source commented. "The remaining team is basically a skeleton cleanup crew that will be gone soon too. They are trying to downplay the extent of these layoffs, but the reality is that Atomic is pretty much dead."We've contacted Atomic for last words, but in the meantime we've gone ahead and changed the release date of Six Days of Fallujah to Q1 2010 never.
Atomic Games unable to secure funding for Six Days in Fallujah, reduces staff
(click to embiggen) Citing a lack of "full-scale funding" for controversial game Six Days in Fallujah, Atomic Games is reporting today that it's trimming staff. According to Atomic, the 75 employees of the studio remained until this week when an undisclosed amount were let go. Though the developer assures the "dozens of Marine veterans" who have spent "hundreds of hours in this project" that it will "fight on," we worry that this is just one more sign of a likely to-be-canceled game. After Konami dropped out as the game's publisher back in April, Six Days in Fallujah's fate has been up in the air. It probably doesn't help that rumors circulated yesterday about the studio's creative lead hitting the road for (presumably) greener pastures. We've reached out to Atomic for further information about those let who were let go and will update this post as we hear more.%Gallery-49389%
Rumor: Six Days in Fallujah creative director leaves company
We knew things weren't exactly going well for Six Days in Fallujah developer Atomic Games when the game's publisher, Konami, dropped out of the equation. GamesIndustry.biz is reporting today that the game's creative director, Juan Benito, may also be out. In contacting both Atomic and Mr. Benito, neither would comment on the possibility. Atomic Games president Peter Tamte has said multiple times that he would like his company to continue with development -- even going so far as to argue the game's case on Fox News. Thus far, however, Mr. Benito's departure remains a rumor. The fate of Six Days in Fallujah seems more uncertain than ever.%Gallery-49389%
Atomic Games' Peter Tamte says Six Days in Fallujah 'about two-thirds' complete
We know, we know: For us to approach video game coverage on Fox News and expect anything more than "fair and balanced" reporting (with a heavy dose of bias and spin) is, to say the least, simply asking too much. Things get much worse when a game with as controversial a setting/plot as Six Days in Fallujah falls into the mix. Atomic Games prez Peter Tamte appeared alongside the game's consultant, Capt. Read Omohundro (a gentleman who fought in the actual battle of Fallujah), and Tracey Miller, a woman who lost her son to the fight, on the channel's "Fox & Friends" program (found after the break) recently, to talk about the game and the controversy surrounding it. Tamte reveals to the show's host that "about two-thirds of the game is complete at this point ... we only have about a third left to go." Atomic Games' challenge now, he says, is to find a new publisher for the game after Konami pulled out of the project in late April. The show ends with a totally fair and balanced comment from the show's host, who says, "Obviously you knew that you might get some blowback on it, 'cause, uh, some people lost their chidren in that battle," before cutting off any more comments and excusing all the show's guests. Anyone want to place bets on this game never being released? We've got $20 on "Never. Ever ever ever."[Via Big Download]
Atomic Games still searching for 'Six Days in Fallujah' publisher
Despite all of the controversy surrounding Six Days in Fallujah, the latest of which has seen Konami drop the game, developer Atomic Games is still hunting down a publisher gutsy enough to get behind it. In speaking with Newsweek, Atomic Games' Peter Tamte goes into detail exactly how the project came about, how far along the team was when Konami pulled the plug, and, most importantly, that he still wants to finish the game. Madness? Perhaps ...With the game being a $20 million project, Tamte sees the fate of Atomic Games directly tied to the fate of Six Days in Fallujah. "If for some reason it doesn't work, we'll have to think about making some very significant changes to the studio," he told Newsweek. Does Atomic Games have a realistic shot at gaining a publisher for Six Days in Fallujah? As much as we hate hearing about companies going under in this economic climate, we'd say the magic 8-ball is not offering the most reassuring glimpse into the future at this point in time.[Via Big Download]%Gallery-49389%
Fallout from Fallujah fiasco continues
Atomic Games' head Peter Tamte hasn't said much since his company's game, Six Days in Fallujah, was dropped by its publisher, Konami, this past week. Other than saying his team is still interested in completing the game, Mr. Tamte has done little to stand behind Atomic Games' foray into "documentary-style" gaming. Though during his keynote at the Triangle Game Conference this week, Tamte asked the crowd, "Are we really just high-tech toymakers, or are we media companies capable of producing content that is as relevant as movies, music and television?"Expounding on the reasons Six Days in Fallujah stands up to the relevancy of the aforementioned mediums, Tamte said, "It is the dilemmas you face, and the choices you make, that give you insight into the events that are shaping our world in a way that no passive form of media can." For instance, when we choose which limb to eviscerate on that super mutant barreling down on us, right? Okay, maybe not. He continued, "We hope that Six Days in Fallujah will have the opportunity to change expectations of what a video game can be." Though we're more than a bit wary of Mr. Tamte's lofty expectations for the game, we've yet to get our mitts on it and will reserve our judgment until that day comes.[Via GamePolitics]
'Six Days in Fallujah' dev wants to finish game
Despite Konami diving overboard and swimming as hard as it can toward the nearest shore, the S.S. Six Days in Fallujah is still trying to sail for the sunset. Atomic Games' president, Peter Tamte, told Develop that Konami's decision to pull out had caught the developer by surprise. Uh, really?Apparently, Atomic Games had been making good headway on the game before Konami pulled the plug. Tamte said the development had been "progressing very well and on schedule" and that Atomic Games would still "very much like the opportunity to complete the game." We're trying not to be incredibly cynical about this whole thing, but, again: Uh, really?
Report: Amidst protest, Konami abandons 'Six Days in Fallujah'
In response to a fairly public outcry, Konami has decided not to publish Atomic Games' take on the Iraq War, Six Days in Fallujah, just 21 days after announcing it, according to Asahi.Wow, we just don't know where to start. Well, OK, first, we need to congratulate Konami. Really bold, guys, way to weather the storm. Second, to the protesting soldiers: Could you guys be more short-sighted? Think of the royalties, the merchandising, the breakfast cereal ("Stays crunchy in milk for six days!"), all of it! Wake up and smell the moolah. And lastly, to the players who might be disheartened: If you want to shoot vaguely Middle Eastern people, would you rather do it in defense of American ideals? Or in pursuit of a diamond-encrusted skull? Yeah, we thought so.[Thanks, Will]
Report: Konami may skip 'Six Days in Fallujah' Euro launch
The dust has barely settled on the announcement of Six Days in Fallujah, but it once again finds a way into the news. During Konami's Gamer's Day in Frankfurt last week, unnamed representatives for the publisher told GamePro.de that they were waiting to see how Atomic Games would portray the brutal battle for Fallujah before deciding if the game would see a European release. Representatives also told De Telegraaf that it was unclear what the level of violence would be in the "documentary-style" shooter. Since announcing the title, developer Atomic Games has been publicly lambasted by peace groups, veterans and their families for developing a video game based on an ongoing (and already controversial) war. Recently, a group of US military Iraq War veterans announced support of the title in an interview with G4TV, saying the project could hopefully "bolster support" for troops. With Konami's European reps questioning a release, we wonder if Six Days in Fallujah will ever step out of the controversy long enough to hit store shelves anywhere.%Gallery-49389%
Joystiq interview: Six Days in Fallujah
As evidenced by the large portion of the 2009 Gamer's Night presentation Konami devoted to it, Six Days in Fallujah, the upcoming third-person action game based on the Iraq War's second battle of Fallujah, is clearly a very big deal for the publisher. Light on actual footage, the segment was focused on the high level of realism and accuracy its developer hopes to instill the title with. Just how accurate? That's what we wanted to find out, so, along with fellow bloggers, we sat down with Atomic Games president Peter Tamte, creative director Juan Benito and US Marine Corps Corporal Michael Ergo, a veteran of the battle and adviser on the game.
Joystiq impressions: Sixty seconds of Six Days in Fallujah
We didn't have a stopwatch at the ready during Konami's unveil of gameplay footage from the controversial war game, Six Days in Fallujah, but it definitely seemed to go by fast. The video, shown during a very high-concept presentation at the publisher's 2009 Gamer's Night, primarily focused on two things: environmental destruction and squad AI.Atomic Games, developer of the title, seemed very proud of the fact that its game engine allows for buildings to be destroyed down to the individual brick level. While that aspect of the game looked decently realistic, we couldn't help but look confused when the player character magically regained health and US troops seemed to be able to take several more bullets than their adversaries before clocking out. We expected a little more realism from a game being touted as a realistic depiction of a very real battle.One aspect that did come across was the game's civilian factor. At one point, an unarmed Iraqi throws up his empty hands and the squad stands down -- only to come under fire from an insurgent who's jumped out behind the friendly. Truth be told, the footage did little to convey anything truly unique about a game that's getting a fair amount of attention based on subject matter alone. We sat down with Atomic Games following the demonstration to get its thoughts on the reception and what it hopes to accomplish. Check out our interview with the game's creators: JOYSTIQ INTERVIEW >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } %Gallery-49389%
Soldiers discuss Six Days in Fallujah controversy
While controversies have mounted in the wake of Konami's Six Days in Fallujah reveal, a group of Iraq war veterans told G4TV they have "no problem" with the game. "I believe that this could be a good thing for both combat veterans and for the war in general," triple-tour vet., Sgt. Casey J. McGeorge said. The group points out that a realistic game set in the current Iraq conflict may help civilians understand the situation. Army Sgt. Kevin Smith notes that an Iraq-based video game could "hopefully bolster support" for troops and encourage more empathy for veterans by showing civilians "what the war is really like [for soldiers]."Peace groups, veterans and families called for Six Days to be banned following its announcement, but Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeant John Mundy reminds everyone that those who are against the development of such a game "can spend their money elsewhere."%Gallery-49389%[Via BigDownload]
Gleaning potential controversy from Konami's 'Six Days in Fallujah'
Only a day has passed since the game was announced, but Six Days in Fallujah is already stirring up controversy among veterans, families and peace groups, according to GamePolitics. The game is set during the real-life US-led battle for control in Fallujah during the rush to take Central Baghdad in 2004, one of the Iraq War's bloodiest campaigns for American and Iraqi soldiers and civilians. Reg Keys, father of Red Cap Thomas Keys, a soldier tragically killed by an Iraqi mob in June 2003, told the UK's Daily Mail that "glorifying" the event in a video game showed "poor judgment and bad taste" on Konami's part considering the "enormous loss of life" in the Iraq War -- a war that is still ongoing. Six Days in Fallujah is reportedly inspired by events that occurred during the second battle in Fallujah -- codenamed Operation Phantom Fury (also, Operation Al-Fajr or "The Dawn") -- which took place between November 7 and December 23, 2004. When it was announced, Anthony Crouts, vice-president of marketing for Konami, said it wasn't the publisher's intention to take a stance on war, telling The Wall Street Journal, "We just want to bring a compelling entertainment experience."Unfortunately for Konami and developer Atomic Games, the Battle of Fallujah is widely regarded as one of the most controversial battles in recent history. Ducking any associated messages may be an uphill battle.%Gallery-49389%
Konami announces 'Six Days in Fallujah,' based on real battle in Iraq
Sourcing dozens of US Marines from Camp Pendleton's 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, the Atomic Games-developed Six Days in Fallujah was announced this morning for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC. Set for release "next year," the third-person shooter takes place during the real-life 2004 US Marine-lead battle for the central Baghdad city and attempts to recreate the battle on a day-to-day basis. "We replicate a specific and accurate timeline -- we mean six days literally," Atomic Games president Peter Tamte told the Wall Street Journal. "We track several units through the process and you get to know what it was like from day-to-day." Unfortunately, for all the realism touted by the game's developer, Konami's VP of marketing, Anthony Crouts, gives the impression that the publisher's still playing it safe, saying, "We're not trying to make social commentary. We're not pro-war. We're not trying to make people feel uncomfortable. We just want to bring a compelling entertainment experience. At the end of the day, it's just a game." With little go to on other than the handful of screens you can see below in the gallery, we'll just have to wait and see more on Six Days in Fallujah before we cast any judgments. One thing's for sure: With the battle this game is based around having occurred so recently, its developers have a built-in audience to appease (who grew up with video games, mind you) and we wish them luck.%Gallery-49389%
