Microsoft turned down PlayStation 4 exclusive Rime
"Part of job is living with mistakes..."
Microsoft turned down PlayStation 4 exclusive Rime, leaked documents have revealed.
VG Leaks published documents showing Tequila Works' lovely-looking project was pitched to Microsoft as an Xbox platform exclusive. The Spanish developer had wanted to create a version for Xbox Live Arcade, Windows 8 and Windows Phone. At the time the game was called Echoes of Siren and was two years from being finished.
In the pitch the game is described as "Gauntlet meets Minecraft meets Jason and the Argonauts". During the day you explore an open world island and hunt to obtain tools, weapons, food and medicine. When the night comes you defend your fortifications against the island's guardians. There are no quests in the traditional sense. Rather, the island is the character.
The first trailer for Rime, unveiled by Sony at Gamescom last year, sparked comparisons to Ico, and the game is referenced in the pitch document as part of a discussion about classic mythology. But the game may have changed considerably since the concept stage outlined above.
Overnight Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer was asked on Twitter why he rejected Rime, and he replied suggesting the decision was a mistake.
"Part of job is living with mistakes," he said. "Passed on Guitar Hero... I can list many misses regretfully. I try to focus on what we did ship."
Then: "We'll miss some, nature of the beast, its why I don't hate when games ship elsewhere. Cool to see team's idea turn in2 great game."
Rime for PS4 is still in development and without a release date.
