In the world of video games, there are occasional instances where hype, speculation, and controversy converge to create a whirlwind of confusion and disappointment. One such case is the saga of Blue Box Game Studios and their enigmatic project, Abandoned. What was initially anticipated as a promising title turned into a convoluted tale that left fans questioning its fate and the credibility of the developer. In this post, we explore the fascinating story and try to find a solution to the pressing question: What happened to Blue Box’s Abandoned?
The Rise of Abandoned
Blue Box Game Studios made its presence known in 2021 with the announcement of Abandoned, a mysterious new game that immediately piqued the interest of gamers and industry insiders. Abandoned gathered traction immediately, spurred by claims that it could be a hidden Silent Hill installment or perhaps a project featuring famed game creator Hideo Kojima.
Cryptic Teasers and Misleading Marketing
As the anticipation grew, Blue Box issued a series of teases that only added to the mystery surrounding Abandoned. These teases were vague and frequently deceptive, hinting at connections to legendary video game brands while leaving fans yearning for further information. Despite initial denials of any connection to Silent Hill or Kojima, Blue Box seemingly leaned into the speculation.
The Playable Teaser and Mixed Reactions
When Abandoned finally debuted in September 2021, it wasn’t the full-fledged game that fans had hoped for. Instead, it was a “playable teaser” that allowed players to explore a decaying house. The teaser, which was accompanied by a companion app, attempted to give a taste of what Abandoned could offer. Fans, on the other hand, had a mixed reaction. Some enjoyed the ambient atmosphere and mystery, while others criticized the lack of substantial material and Blue Box’s seemingly misleading marketing practices.
Continued Cryptic Teasers and Delayed Release
The backlash over Abandoned didn’t end with the playable teaser. Blue Box continued to offer cryptic teasers and announcements in the months that followed, further disappointing fans who were waiting for clear news about the game. In January 2022, a new teaser including an odd QR code and references to the “Silent Hills Engine” rekindled the rumors. Konami, the publisher of the Silent Hill franchise, quickly stated that they had no involvement with Abandoned, putting an end to any hopes of a Silent Hill connection.
The Perception of Blue Box Studios
Apart from the controversy surrounding Abandoned, Blue Box Game Studios found itself embroiled in other controversies as well. Accusations of asset plagiarism from other games and criticism of their misleading marketing tactics took a toll on the studio’s reputation. Some skeptics even questioned if the studio was nothing more than a scam. However, it is essential to note that there is no concrete evidence to support such claims, leaving room for the possibility that Blue Box may simply be a small, inexperienced studio facing challenges in game development.
The Uncertain Future
As time passed, Blue Box’s communication regarding Abandoned became sporadic. The companion app was discontinued, and the studio fell silent, leaving fans uncertain about the fate of the game. While some enthusiasts maintain hope that Abandoned is still in development and will eventually be released as a full-fledged title, others fear that the project has been abandoned altogether.
The story of Blue Box’s Abandoned is a cautionary tale about the perils of hype, secrecy, and misleading marketing in the gaming industry. What started as an intriguing project filled with potential eventually descended into controversy and disappointment. The uncertainties surrounding Abandoned and Blue Box Game Studios
