Chinese multinational conglomerate Tencent has made the move to purchase the rights to System Shock 3 from current developer OtherSide Entertainment. While the news sounds good, involvement from Tencent is usually paired with caution.
In an almost too-brief message on the official website for OtherSide, the studio confirmed in a small blurb about the acquisition.
‘We are happy to announce that Tencent will be taking the System Shock franchise forward. As a smaller Indie studio, it had been challenging for us to carry the project on our own. We believe Tencent’s deep capabilities and expertise as a leading game company will bring the franchise to new heights.”
If you weren’t aware, back in February, the writer, director, and lea programmer confirmed they had left OtherSide, before an anonymous source confirmed the entire System Shock 3 team had been laid off. Essentially the game had been all but abandoned and without help from an outside source, the project would likely never be finished.
2/2 As a smaller Indie studio, it had been challenging for us to carry the project on our own. We believe Tencent's deep capabilities and expertise as a leading game company will bring the franchise to new heights.
— OtherSide Entertainment (@OtherSide_Games) May 20, 2020
However, this tweet from CEO Stephen Kick, the CEO of Nightdive Studios, mentions that they still own the franchise and IP.
@Nibellion Nightdive owns the System Shock franchise and IP, please don't spread misinformation.
— Stephen *Blade Kicker* Kick (@pripyatbeast) May 20, 2020
This whole situation is confusing and I’m hoping we learn the facts about who owns what and who’s working on what. It’s been some time since the series has seen any positive news, and I know fans are eager to see a third game.
