September 3rd 2024.
Is Transformers: Devastation gearing up for a comeback? It seems that Microsoft has regained the rights to the Transformers franchise and plans to release four classic games from the Xbox 360 era through Activision.
Despite facing some criticism lately, Xbox has achieved a major success by promoting backward compatibility and game preservation. However, when a license expires, there's nothing anyone can do to continue publishing a game. This has been a common issue with driving games, the latest victim being Forza Horizon 4. It has also affected a significant portion of Activision's back catalog, including Marvel and Transformers games, as well as other licenses like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
It's quite unfortunate because games like Transformers: War For Cybertron and Fall Of Cybertron were highly praised. Even the 2013 Deadpool game, which may not have been the best, would have been relevant right now, with physical copies selling for over £35,000 on eBay.
However, publishers can reacquire a license, as seen with Capcom and their Marvel fighting games. And it seems that's exactly what Activision is planning to do. While there's no concrete evidence of Deadpool being brought back, it's understandable as the Marvel license is likely one of the most expensive ones at the moment. There have been rumors of Activision wanting to re-license the 2013 game, as well as Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1 and 2, but no solid proof.
On the other hand, there are signs of life for Transformers, with two listings on the Australian age rating board for unnamed games from "Microsoft Studios" – the previous name for the Xbox Game Studios publishing label. Interestingly, there's no mention of Activision. The production year for both games is listed as 2024, with one being described as the original version and featuring scary scenes – a rarity for Transformers games. The other one has a warning for mild violence and is labeled as "modified." Both games have a PG rating and are listed as having online interactivity.
The two Cybertron games did have multiplayer modes, but they weren't a major part of the games and could easily be left out of a remaster. Most of Activision's other Transformers games – a mix of Cybertron spin-offs and tie-ins based on the Michael Bay movies – are not as highly regarded, with the exception of PlatinumGames' 2015 title Transformers: Devastation, which was the last game released before Activision lost the license.
According to Transformers World 2005, several Steam CD keys for various Transformers games have mysteriously become active again, including Devastation, the two Cybertron games, and their underwhelming sequel, Rise Of The Dark Spark. Therefore, it's safe to assume that all four games will be making a comeback. And if two of them are not listed on the Australian ratings board, then perhaps Deadpool and other games are also on the way.
While it's understandable why Activision would want to republish Deadpool and the other Marvel games, the Transformers franchise is not currently at its peak in terms of mainstream visibility. It's unclear how much the upcoming animated film, Transformers One, will change that. However, with this year being the 40th anniversary of the franchise, it's a good enough reason to bring back the games.
As for whether Activision or any other Microsoft studio will make a new Transformers game, it's hard to say. The rising cost of big-budget games and the lukewarm success of previous titles may make it a challenging venture. But as fans of the franchise, we can only hope that it happens, especially since the concept of transforming vehicles is an underutilized gameplay mechanic in the gaming world.
Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron – a great game regardless of the license. Don't forget to email us, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign up for our newsletter.
To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without having to send an email, simply use our Submit Stuff page here.
Sign up for all the latest gaming content and get the inside scoop on new releases before they're even announced on the site.
Sign up for our Privacy Policy »This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
