Tencent Pulls Funding, Sniper Elite Battle Royale Canceled Just Months After Announcement
A battle royale spin-off of the Sniper Elite franchise, code-named Project Archipelago (or internally, Sniper Island), has reportedly been canceled following the withdrawal of funding from Chinese gaming giant Tencent.
The news, first reported by Insider Gaming, indicates the sudden cancellation is tied to Tencent’s apparent hesitance regarding live-service projects. This cautious shift may stem from the high-profile failure of Sony’s live-service FPS Concord, which flopped so badly that its developer, Firewalk Studios, was shuttered.
What Was Sniper Elite: Project Archipelago?
Announced just three months ago, Project Archipelago was set to pit teams of three snipers against one another in a battle royale format. Players would aim to be the last squad standing in this new IP from Sniper Elite developer Rebellion. Early alpha playtests for the game were reportedly conducted in August.
Despite the ambitious concept, Tencent’s withdrawal leaves Rebellion without the necessary funding to move forward.
What’s Next for Rebellion?
While the cancellation of Project Archipelago could have been a blow to the studio, there’s a silver lining: no layoffs are expected. Staff who were working on the game are being reassigned to other projects, including the highly anticipated Sniper Elite: Resistance.
Sniper Elite: Resistance Details
Set to release in January 2025, Sniper Elite: Resistance will continue the franchise’s iconic blend of tactical sniping and stealth.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Campaign Mode: The story runs parallel to Sniper Elite 5, placing players in occupied France as members of the French resistance.
- Multiplayer Modes: Includes 16-player competitive multiplayer and a three-player survival mode.
- Axis Invasion Returns: The popular feature from previous titles is back, allowing players to infiltrate others’ campaigns as enemy snipers (or defend against such invasions).
With Resistance on the horizon, Rebellion appears focused on delivering a core Sniper Elite experience while exploring innovative new gameplay options.
While the cancellation of Project Archipelago is disappointing for fans intrigued by the idea of a sniper-focused battle royale, the studio’s pivot to core projects like Resistance ensures that the franchise’s legacy remains strong.
