Rumor: Factor 5 shuts down

by David Hinkle { Dec 23rd 2008 at 1:45PM }

The last we heard of Factor 5, they were thinking about a Rogue Squadron compilation. Now, it would seem the company has fallen on hard times, much like other game developers. That is, if you go by this forum post, which was allegedly made by IGN's Matt Casamassina and claims "inside sources" tipped him off to the studio's closing.

Our overlords at Joystiq have made the appropriate inquiries and we'll be sure to update you all as soon as we can.

[Via Joystiq]

Tags: factor-5, factor-5-closes, rogue-squadron

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Hardy @ Dec 23rd 2008 2:24PM

If Nintendo was smart they would save them and become a majority owner.

If not Nintendo, then someone should. Sony or Microsoft. Someone! lol
These are talented people and it would suck if they all split up.

flameofdoom666 @ Dec 23rd 2008 2:54PM

I agree. Nintendo with its new found money should just buy 100% of the stock, AND force them to make Kid Icarus and StarFox games!

guttertalk @ Dec 23rd 2008 4:18PM

I'm sure that they tried to get someone to buy them before shutting down.

I don't know . . . when I look on their recent works, I'm not terribly impressed. Rogue Squandron II was great, true, but this is a company with small output since the Amiga days.

Mr Khan @ Dec 23rd 2008 4:57PM

Like i said before, it depends on exactly what they were making for the Wii that determines whether or not the project will move forward (and also how far in they were). If it was a new IP that Nintendo would publish (like Sony with Lair), or a 3rd-party deal, they probably will go away. But if it was something more integral, like a Star Fox or a Kid Icarus, i really don't think Nintendo would let that investment go to waste unless it was really early in the development process

Aaron @ Dec 23rd 2008 6:01PM

Funny, this pattern that always emerges:

1) Game developer enjoys great success on multiple Nintendo consoles
2) Game developer decides to abandon Nintendo under the allure of HD graphics
3) Game developer makes fun of Nintendo, the very hand that fed them for so many good years (don't believe me? http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/factor-5-scoffs-at-the-wii-fanboys-shed-one-tear/ )
4) Game developer either
a) comes crying back two years later
b) goes bankrupt and closes its doors

Sorry to say it, but Julian Eggebecht and his ego are getting just what they deserved. So many of these Nintendo developers (Factor 5, Silicon Knights, Rareware, etc.) are nothing without Nintendo's expert guidance. Am I wrong?

Matias @ Dec 23rd 2008 8:11PM

Aaron you're damn right.

And factor 5 doesn't affect me, they're only meh, rogue squadron isn't that good.

What made me sad was when Rare separated from nintendo I still remember the day when I read the news on a magazine, I couldn't believe it. And now, I'm thankful that they are with microsoft, making their c*** for them instead of nintendo. I'm still angry at how they ruined all the franchises I loved though.