10 Incredible Video Games That Were Canceled Just Before Release

In the world of video games, development can be long, complicated, and expensive. Gamers eagerly anticipate the next big release, but sometimes, even the most promising games are canceled before they ever hit the shelves. What's more heartbreaking is when these games are canceled after years of development and are nearly complete. These lost titles remain in the memories of developers and fans alike as "what could have been."

Here are ten incredible video games that were scrapped shockingly close to completion:

1. Star Wars: Battlefront III (Free Radical Design)

This was supposed to be the ultimate Star Wars experience. Developed by Free Radical Design, Battlefront III was reportedly 99% complete when it was canceled in 2008. With its ambitious gameplay, including seamless ground-to-space combat, it was one of the most anticipated titles of the time. Leaked footage later confirmed that it was close to being finished. The cancellation is often blamed on mismanagement and a breakdown in communication between Free Radical and LucasArts.

2. Silent Hills (P.T.)

With horror legend Hideo Kojima, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, and actor Norman Reedus attached, Silent Hills was expected to reboot the franchise in a terrifying new direction. The playable teaser (P.T.) created viral buzz and had gamers begging for more. Sadly, after Kojima's fallout with Konami, the game was canceled in 2015. The cancellation led to public outcry and P.T. being removed from the PlayStation Store, making it one of the most sought-after lost games.

3. Scalebound (PlatinumGames)

Scalebound promised to be a unique action RPG where players could control dragons in real-time combat. Developed by PlatinumGames and published by Microsoft Studios, it had flashy gameplay and co-op multiplayer. Despite years of development and a showcase at E3, it was abruptly canceled in 2017 due to ongoing development issues. Fans were stunned, especially since the game was shown in such a polished state.

4. StarCraft: Ghost (Blizzard Entertainment)

Originally announced in 2002, StarCraft: Ghost was a third-person stealth shooter set in the StarCraft universe. It was intended to provide a new perspective into the sci-fi franchise. The game faced repeated delays and platform shifts before being quietly shelved in 2006. Despite being nearly done, Blizzard canceled the project, citing evolving console generations and shifting focus.

5. Mega Man Legends 3 (Capcom)

Mega Man fans had waited years for a continuation of the Legends series. Capcom finally began developing Legends 3 for the Nintendo 3DS and even involved fans in the creative process. A prototype was ready for release on the eShop, but in 2011, the project was canceled with little explanation. Fans were heartbroken, especially since they had been so involved in its development.

6. Fable Legends (Lionhead Studios)

Set in the whimsical Fable universe, Fable Legends was an ambitious multiplayer-focused RPG. The game underwent extensive beta testing and was just months from release when Microsoft pulled the plug and shut down Lionhead Studios in 2016. Players were shocked, especially considering how polished the beta felt.

7. Eight Days (Sony)

Eight Days was a high-octane action game being developed for the PlayStation 3. With real-time weather, a day-night cycle, and globe-spanning shootouts, it was shaping up to be a blockbuster. Sony showcased a thrilling demo at E3 2006. Then, without warning, it was canceled in 2008, reportedly due to a lack of online multiplayer features.

8. Gotham by Gaslight (Day 1 Studios)

Imagine a Batman game set in a Victorian-era Gotham. That was the premise of Gotham by Gaslight, based on the 1989 Elseworlds comic. Leaked footage showed dark, atmospheric environments and stealth gameplay. Unfortunately, the project was canceled during its pitch stage, even though a working demo was created. It never got past early development, but was close enough to tease fans.

9. The Avengers (THQ)

Before Marvel's Avengers became a popular gaming title, THQ was working on a first-person co-op action game based on the Avengers movie. Players would control heroes like Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. Development was far along, but THQ’s financial collapse in 2013 led to its cancellation. Leaked gameplay still surfaces online, showing what could have been a game-changing superhero experience.

10. Prey 2 (Human Head Studios)

A sequel to 2006's Prey, Prey 2 transformed the series into an open-world bounty hunter game with parkour mechanics and futuristic visuals. It looked amazing in previews and received positive feedback at conventions. But behind the scenes, Bethesda had concerns about development progress and ultimately canceled the game in 2014. A completely different Prey reboot was released in 2017.

Conclusion

These canceled games remind us that video game development is unpredictable. Even the most exciting titles can be derailed due to funding issues, internal politics, or creative disagreements. While fans mourn what could have been, these near-complete titles continue to spark interest, with leaked footage and fan campaigns keeping their legacies alive. Who knows—some of these might be revived one day.