Why Rainbow Six: Patriots was Cancelled and the Move to Siege
One of the most intriguing mysteries in the world of video games is why Ubisoft decided to cancel Rainbow Six: Patriots. Behind the scenes, this decision was a result of complex factors like development issues, a shift in focus, and market trends. The cancellation ultimately paved the way for the immensely popular Rainbow Six: Siege, which took the world by storm with its engaging multiplayer gameplay. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the cancellation of Rainbow Six: Patriots and the making of Siege.
Development Issues
The development of Rainbow Six: Patriots faced significant challenges from the beginning. The game experienced a major shift in direction, and issues with the game engine added to the complexity. The development team struggled to meet the high expectations set by previous titles in the Rainbow Six franchise, which are known for their rigorous standards and demanding gameplay.
The Troubled Development
The project was spearheaded by Ubisoft Montreal with assistance from Ubisoft Toronto and Red Storm Entertainment. Over 150 developers worked on the game at its peak. However, as time progressed, the number of developers decreased, and the project began to falter. The key developers were removed in March 2012, and the game was continuously shuffled between projects, hampering its development significantly.
Anonymously, insiders commented that the project kept failing to meet deadlines, and its creative directors came and went without any progress being made. This recursive pattern of development and leadership changes raised concerns about the project's viability.
Shift in Focus
Before the launch of Rainbow Six: Siege, Ubisoft faced a significant shift in focus. The gaming landscape was evolving with a growing emphasis on online multiplayer experiences. With the success of other games like Fortnite and Battle Crew, Ubisoft recognized the need to align its offerings with these trends. Siege was better suited for the evolving market, making it a more viable product in the long run.
Market Trends
The gaming market was rapidly changing, with a strong emphasis on online multiplayer experiences. The success of games like Epic Games' Fortnite and Twitch demonstrated the rising popularity of these formats. Ubisoft understood that focusing on a more collaborative and competitive multiplayer experience would bring them closer to the heart of the gaming community.
Creative Differences
Internal creative differences also played a role in the cancellation of Rainbow Six: Patriots. Within the development team, there were disputes regarding the game's direction, particularly its narrative and gameplay mechanics. These differences led to a lack of cohesion and vision, further hindering the game's development.
The Leading Up to and Eventual Cancellation
Rainbow Six: Patriots was first introduced to the public with a pre-rendered proof-of-concept video on November 4, 2011, but it was leaked before its official release. The game's themes, particularly the idea of domestic terrorists in the United States, sparked controversy and backlash, with some even accusing the developers of promoting an agenda of hatred.
Despite these challenges, the developers believed they could provide a meaningful contribution through the game. However, these issues, combined with the difficulties in the development process, ultimately led Ubisoft to cancel the project. On December 9, 2014, Ubisoft formally announced the cancellation of Rainbow Six: Patriots.
The Rise of Siege
With the cancellation of Patriots, Ubisoft turned its focus to developing a new game that could capitalize on the emerging trends in the gaming industry. Enter Rainbow Six: Siege.
Rainbow Six: Siege was unveiled to the public in 2015 and quickly gained immense popularity. Its fast-paced, tactical gameplay and competitive multiplayer mode found its niche in the esports community. The game's success can be attributed to its ability to deliver a well-crafted, engaging experience that aligned with the evolving market trends.
For further insights and detailed analysis of Rainbow Six: Patriots and the development of Siege, check out this video by GVMERS that explores the making of both games.