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System Shock 3 Development Could Be Resurrected By Unlikely Source
System Shock 3 could finally be getting the funding it needs from an odd source. Released in 1994, System Shock is a first-person survival horror game that takes place on a space station in the year 2072.
Players take on the role of a nameless hacker aboard the vessel, players wake from a coma to find that mutated crew members and hostile AI have commandeered the ship. Though Irrational Games and Looking Glass Studios developed a sequel in 1999, the game’s third installment never came to fruition. Instead, Irrational Games went on to release its spiritual successor Bioshock in 2007 which developed a massive fanbase.
System Shock 3 has been in development for roughly 4 years now without a clear end in sight. Despite reports that the team had been let go, OtherSide Entertainment has kept quiet. However, ownership of both SystemShock3.com and SystemShock4.com have been transferred to Tencent suggesting development will be continued under the Chinese company.
Tencent is currently a major shareholder for countless developers including Ubisoft, Epic Games, Activision, and Blizzard. Perhaps its most notable subsidiary is League of Legends developer, Riot Games. Its investments have allowed some developers to go in new directions with their projects and even self-publish while others face being bought out entirely. Considering its massive influence over the industry, the acquisition of System Shock 3’s domain could be indicative of faith in the game’s potential. Though nothing has been confirmed outside of the domains changing hands, it is likely that Tencent will be funding development. This would not be the first time Tencent has invested in a smaller studio known for a single-player cult classic.
System Shock 3 could find its footing in today’s market with proper funding. The success not only of Bioshock but of games like Alien: Isolation and Resident Evil 2's remake which lean more into the survival aspects of the genre suggest System Shock 3 will have a warm reception. Tencent’s involvement with OtherSide Entertainment does not necessarily mean the revitalization of their projects. Though the acquisition of System Shock domains seems to highlight some interest in the series on Tenent's part. When System Shock 3 does finally hit stores, it will be the first installment in the series since 1999. Bringing the game into a contemporary market after so many years will prove difficult for OtherSide. With proper funding however, the System Shock series has the potential to regain mainstream relevance.
