Yes you read that headline correctly. TimeSplitters, one of the most iconic first-person shooter franchises of the 2000s has been rescued from IP hell by THQ Nordic, the Austrian-based publisher revealed via an announcement on its website today. You can read the statement in full below:
Timesplitters was largely considered as one of the most influential console games of the early 2000’s. The three game series earned a large and passionate fan base thanks to its unique humour, art style and pop culture references while encouraging customization and modification to give each person their own individual experience. Timesplitters was originally created by the development studio Free Radical Design that later become Deep Silver Dambuster, part of the THQ Nordic group.
The TimeSplitters IP was acquired by Crytek during the purchase of Free Radical Design in 2009, however the franchise never saw another iteration despite Crytek’s former CEO Cevat Yerli stating that Crytek would love to bring the series back but didn’t see it as a viable business move due to limited appeal. Yerli even attempted to gauge fan interest in a HD collection by asking fans to sign an existing petition that was aiming for 100,000 signatures. Sadly the petition fell way short and as such the IP was shelved. Until now. What this means for Crytek we’re not sure. For a company that has been through numerous financial issues in recent times we hope that this isn’t an indication of more trouble for the German outfit.
What makes this announcement particularly exciting is the fact that THQ Nordic now own Dambuster Studios, the progenitor of the TimeSplitters series. Could we see a reunion on the cards? What is certain that we’ll likely see TimeSplitters again (why else would THQ purchase the rights?). The question is in what capacity. Maybe we’ll see a remaster, maybe it’ll be TimeSplitters 4 (view a bunch of concept art here), or maybe it’ll be both. All I know is that I am so excited to hear that the IP has found a new home. One that will hopefully show it the love and attention it deserves.
What this means for the fan-made TimeSplitters Rewind is unclear. I’ve reached out for a comment and will update if I hear a response.
THQ also announced that they had acquired the Secondf Sight IP (another cool game by the way).
P.S. TimeSplitters 2 is the best.
Despite a childhood playing survival horrors, point and clicks and beat ’em ups, these days Zach tries to convince people that Homefront: The Revolution is a good game while pining for a sequel to The Order: 1886 and a live-action Treasure Planet film. Carlton, Burnley FC & SJ Sharks fan. Get around him on Twitter @tightinthejorts
