Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 Was in Development Before 38 Studios Closure

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Lee Bradley

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in development at Big Huge Games, before the recent closure of parent company 38 Studios, it has been revealed.

The design bullet points for the project were improved graphics, no loading screens, expanded and improved combat animations, a more linear quest and greater effect on the world by players.

That’s according to sources close to the project at Big Huge Games. Apparently, despite Reckoningnselling 1.2 million copies in under 90 days, EA were not interested in a sequel. Big Huge Games were attempting to find another publisher.

Following the fall of Big Huge Games’ parent company 38 Studios, however, it’s unlikely that the project will ever see the light of day. Not as a Kingdoms of Amalur title, anyway.

It is possible, however, that the assets may be picked up by another publisher and integrated into a different game. Reckoning was originally planned as an RPG called Ascendant for THQ, before it was decided that the RPG would best suit the Amalur universe. That trick could be repeated and Reckoning 2 could resurface as a different title.

The source also cleared up a misconception about the funding of Reckoning, saying, "Reckoning was developed with EA publishing money, NOT Rhode Island tax dollars... It had nothing to do with the $50 million dollars from RI. That money went directly to the MMO project [Copernicus]."

[via Joystiq]

Comments
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  • Hope it gets picked up, I enjoyed the first one a lot.
  • Very unfortunate Reckoning was a very good game and deserved a sequel.
  • If KoA wasn't published by EA I probably would have bought it. It's a shame to see new ideas gone.
  • Hope someone else can take it on. Maybe a studio that don't offset their debts to their employers houses?
  • Good morning here and everyone. I am not tell good morning to EA because they not want 2nd series for god damn it!!! What wrong with you, EA!!! First series is awesome and fun but yah need big improvements for 2nd series. Come on, EA!! I hope new publisher runs, jumps and dive into Big Huge Games and let us buy you and bring KOA returns!!. :):):)
  • Would be great to see a KOA 2 (or similar if someone buys the IP rights) as the first one was a real sleeper hit in my opinion, along with great DLC. So long as they don't release it as an MMORPG as suggested in another news topic on here recently
  • MS you could do with a controller based IP not called Halo, Forza or Fable and this is what Fable wanted to be all along IMO.
  • Its alway sad to see a "smaller" game company go bust but i reckon if they weren't plowing god knows how many millions into an MMO they would of probably been ok. Blizzard basically rule MMO land kinda like apple does in the technology market. look at whats happening to the Star Wars MMO
  • I really hope we get a sequel. I love KoA. Still need to finish to though...
  • KOA is one of the better games this year I hope it gets a well deserved sequel
  • KOA had a great combat system and the fate/destiny system was inspired but it was lacking in the storylines imo they just where not that intresting but it was a great first game from a smaller studio.
  • Damn, sounds like they were on the right track too, with the focus on a more linear quest. I spent about 70 hours with KoA, but would have enjoyed it much more so if there weren't as many random-ass side quests and plot I couldn't care less about. With a streamlined story and less fetch quests this could be a beautiful thing! Hope it gets picked up and rebranded.
  • ea wont do a sequal to an amazing game that offered something new but they churn out fifa every year with no changes whatsoever, fucking con artists
  • Damnation....how does 1.2 million copies of a brand new IP not generate interest from publishers?
  • @13 it would take actual work to make a sequel to this, where as updating sports titles annually just takes a little photoshop and some roster updates.
  • So EA isn't impressed by 1.2 million copies in 3 months? I guess they decided Battlefield Premium was a better idea.
  • You guys can keep hating on EA all you want, it's 38 Studios who ruined the chance for the sequel -_- They could have easily found another publisher if they could have kept themselves in business. It's only been 4 months since the game launched. I have no doubt they could have found someone to pick up the publishing duties. Too bad they bankrupt themselves.... I enjoyed KoA, but as stated, the story (both main quest and side quests) was extremely lacking and I never really cared about it or the characters. The combat made the game fun.
  • It seems awfully fishhy that this "source" didn't even know how much their loan was for when everyone on the internet does.
  • @17 How in the world is it in any way 38 studios fault that there won't be a sequel ? They weren't the ones who went out of business it was big huge games their publisher/parent company. 38 studios was making the sequel and can still shop it around to publishers. Personally I think THQ could benefit from having this game under there belt they need a game that sells well out the gate.
  • Switched those names around sorry
  • It's also very sad that people also refused to buy the game simply because it was published by EA. Not only are they missing out on a great game, but it also hurts the developers, resulting in things like this. Gamers these days are ridiculous, to say the least.
  • Hopefully they can find a way to resurrect this project. The first one was a blast!
  • KOA is a pretty good game but it's virtually unplayable because of the stupid POV and shitty camera angles.
  • Love KoA! The story and gameplay has been awesome so far. I find myself dragging it out a bit just so I can enjoy it longer. Really hope a publisher picks up the sequel.
  • Just picked this up today, and gotta say I'm really enjoying it so far. EA obviously couldn't find a cheap excuse to include MP and an expensive season pass to a sequel and dropped it lol.
  • KOA has to be the best rpg i have ever played and i have played red dead, dragon age 1 and 2 and skyrim, great fate system and great combat however the story was a bit short but game was amazing
  • kinda sad there most likely wont be a second. I got this for xmas and really enjoyed it. course Im the person who does all the side quests :)
  • I sincerely hope the sequel finds a way to the market. I really enjoyed the first, so much that it is one of my top 5 favorite games of all times.
  • Playing it on Xbox360 right now. Definetly would get a Sequel :D
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