20 Games That Were Cancelled When They Were 99% Done

It’s frustrating when a game is almost finished, but never actually gets released. Sometimes business issues, legal problems, or unexpected world events stop it from reaching stores, even after all the work is done – review copies are made, stores prepare to sell it, and the game is fully built. Occasionally, these cancelled games reappear years later, either through leaks or official revivals. Here are twenty examples of games that were essentially complete before being unexpectedly cancelled.

‘Thrill Kill’

This PlayStation fighting game for four players was finished and ready for review, but the new publisher unexpectedly cancelled it. It boasted realistic, motion-captured animations and a cast of cruel characters known for their over-the-top finishing moves. Despite the cancellation, several test versions of the game were shared and eventually appeared online. The game’s core technology was later used in other fighting games, such as ‘Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style’ on the PlayStation.

‘Star Fox 2’

This Super Nintendo sequel featured fully 3D space battles and new Arwings that could transform. It also included a detailed, interactive map of Corneria for defending against enemies. Although development was complete, Nintendo decided not to release the game as the SNES was nearing the end of its lifespan, focusing instead on newer consoles. Years later, a slightly updated version was officially included with the SNES microconsole. Many of the game’s innovative features, like the real-time defense system and the ability to control multiple wingmen, went on to influence future games in the series.

‘Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans’

Blizzard was developing a point-and-click adventure game featuring Thrall, complete with hand-drawn animation and voice acting. Although the game was nearly finished, it was canceled because it didn’t meet the company’s standards. Some of the game’s content, including cutscenes and playable versions, later appeared online through leaks. Story details from the canceled game were eventually incorporated into novels and the overall story of the series.

‘NBA Elite 11’

This yearly basketball game made it far enough in development to have a playable demo and even began production of retail copies. However, serious bugs were found during the final testing phase, forcing a sudden recall and cancellation of the game. A few copies slipped out before the recall, and those have become valuable collectibles. Following this, the publisher decided to rebrand the basketball series with a new name.

‘GoldenEye 007’ XBLA Remaster

A remastered version with updated controls and the ability to switch between new and original graphics was created for digital download. Although the project was finished, issues with ownership rights between different companies prevented a wider release. A nearly complete version eventually became popular within enthusiast communities. Years later, a separate official rerelease with different technology was made available.

‘Propeller Arena’

This action-packed dogfighting game, designed for a Sega console, was fully finished and ready to ship. However, it was cancelled just before release due to real-world events that made its depiction of aerial combat in city settings inappropriate. The completed game eventually surfaced online through unofficial means and is now often cited as an example of how unforeseen circumstances can halt a game’s release, even when it’s fully prepared.

‘Penn & Teller’s Smoke and Mirrors’

Originally created as a playful, magic-themed game for a console that used discs, the project was completed and ready for promotion. However, issues with the publisher caused the release to be cancelled right before it went into production. The complete game eventually became available online, exposing more people to its now-famous, lengthy desert driving sequence. The creators described the game as an attempt to create an interactive prank experience.

‘Saints Row: Undercover’

This game, originally intended as a handheld version of an existing franchise, eventually became its own unique title. While the team built out missions, city locations, and a complete progression system, they ultimately felt it didn’t live up to the quality of other games in the series. Years later, they shared the almost-finished version with fans, along with notes detailing how the limitations of handheld technology influenced the game’s design.

‘Star Wars Battlefront III’

The team behind a popular series of fast-action shooting games started working on a massive sequel that would have allowed players to move seamlessly between ground and space combat, and featured a huge multiplayer component. Despite being nearly finished, the project was cancelled due to changes in company direction and internal problems. Over time, videos and development materials appeared online, proving the game had impressive features already functioning. While later projects borrowed some of the technology, the original, complete vision for the sequel was never realized.

‘Rogue Squadron Trilogy’ for Wii

Factor 5 created a collection of classic games with motion controls, improved graphics, and online multiplayer battles. The project was finished and ready to launch, but shifting business deals and a changing market ultimately stopped its release. It has since become well-known as one of the most talked-about unreleased games in the series’ history.

‘Glover 2’

A complete sequel to the original game was created, featuring new levels, characters, and gameplay elements, all built to run on the same hardware. However, after seeing a nearly finished version and conducting their own tests, the publisher canceled the project. Later, working prototypes surfaced, revealing a fully playable campaign that just needed some final refinements. Analyses after the cancellation pointed to changing player expectations for 3D platforming games towards the end of the console’s lifespan.

‘Bonk: Brink of Extinction’

The team redesigned this classic dinosaur character for modern online games, planning features for playing with friends and giving it a fresh look. Development was nearly complete when the company above them went through big internal changes, which unfortunately stopped the game – and several others – from being finished. We’ve seen videos and pictures showing completed levels and boss battles. Since then, the series has been on hold.

‘Fear Effect Inferno’

The third game in the stylish action series featured voice acting, cinematic cutscenes, and extensive gameplay. Unfortunately, financial problems at the studio and publishing company caused development to halt near the end. While playable demos showed off the game’s unique look, the story was ultimately left unfinished. The series eventually reappeared with a new game that didn’t follow up on this particular storyline.

‘Resident Evil 2’ Prototype ‘1.5’

The game’s sequel was well underway, with a different set of characters and settings, but the developers decided to start over to achieve a better final product. Even though the initial version had most of its core features working, they felt a fresh start was necessary. Several early, almost-finished versions of the game were leaked online, and ideas from this abandoned version later found their way into remakes and spin-off titles.

‘Mega Man Mania’

This collection of classic handheld games was planned for release with some improvements, and retailers even began taking pre-orders. However, production issues caused repeated delays, and the project was eventually cancelled. Packaging and promotional materials show how close it was to being released. Ultimately, the games became available on other platforms instead of as a single bundled package.

‘The Witcher: White Wolf’

An early attempt to bring the original game to consoles was underway with another company redesigning levels and controls. While the project made significant progress – including converting content and adding features for the new platform – it was ultimately canceled due to problems with the working relationship. The development team later reported that months of refinement and preparation for console approval were lost. However, the technology and resources created during this effort proved valuable when developing future versions for multiple platforms.

‘Stargate SG-1: The Alliance’

This team-based shooting game was built around the actors from the TV show, featuring their voices and completed video scenes. Development was almost finished when disagreements and lack of money caused the project to be cancelled. After the cancellation, some gameplay footage and nearly completed versions of the game were leaked online. Fans were able to identify familiar locations and enemies from the show that had already been included in the game.

‘StarCraft: Ghost’

This planned stealth game went through several development teams and reached an advanced stage on older consoles. Playable demos included complete missions, gadgets, and voice acting. However, changes to the game’s plans and the arrival of new consoles prevented it from being finished and released. Despite being nearly complete, the publisher cancelled the project. Elements of the game’s story and characters later appeared in books and other related media.

‘Fable Legends’

This online fantasy game went through extensive testing with many players and had the infrastructure to support ongoing updates. Despite being nearly finished and with more content planned, the studio unexpectedly cancelled it. The game’s servers were taken offline, and players lost access. Instead of continuing to support this game, the developers chose to start working on a completely new project.

‘Command & Conquer’ (2013)

A free-to-play game in the series launched into public alpha testing with ongoing updates and improvements. Although the game was fully playable, the publisher ultimately cancelled development and gave refunds to players. The team had previously stated they were working on performance and gameplay balance, but those changes weren’t released. The franchise later reappeared on other platforms in a new form.

Share the lost game that you still wish had seen the light of day in the comments.

2025-11-21 14:46