Activision’s Unreleased “Roman Wars” Game Tantalizes Gamers with Ancient Warfare
Activision’s renowned “Call of Duty” franchise has always been synonymous with modern warfare, but there was a time when the game’s developers toyed with the idea of exploring an entirely different era. In the late 2000s, Activision-owned studio Vicarious Visions embarked on an ambitious project to create a demo for a Roman-era “CoD” game, aptly named “Roman Wars.”
“Roman Wars” promised an experience like no other, blending epic third-person battles with immersive first-person gladiator segments. Players would have had the opportunity to mount horses and command war elephants as they laid siege to towering structures seething with enemies. In this historical setting, sword-and-shield combat formed the backbone of the gameplay, but the developers sought to add unique tactical elements, such as the ability to use bows or surprise opponents by throwing sand into their eyes before striking.
Despite its promising demo, “Roman Wars” never progressed beyond the prototype stage, even after it was pitched as a standalone game after the removal of the “CoD” license. The concept even reached the desk of then-CEO Bobby Kotick, and there were discussions of launching it as an exclusive title for the Xbox One console. However, concerns about diluting the core essence of the “CoD” brand ultimately led to the game’s demise.
Although “Roman Wars” may have never seen the light of day, it remains a testament to the creativity and imagination of game developers. The tantalizing prospect of delving into ancient warfare and experiencing the grandeur of the Roman Empire still lingers in the minds of gamers, sparking speculations about what could have been. While “Roman Wars” may be consigned to the realm of unrealized dreams, its legacy serves as a reminder that the gaming industry is always willing to venture into uncharted territories, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in virtual realms.
Additional facts:
1. The development of “Roman Wars” began sometime in the late 2000s under Vicarious Visions, a studio owned by Activision.
2. The game was intended to be a third-person action game set in the Roman era, featuring both large-scale battles and gladiator combat.
3. Players would have been able to control various types of units, including horses and war elephants, during siege warfare.
4. The gameplay was designed to prioritize sword-and-shield combat, but the developers also aimed to introduce unique tactical elements such as the use of bows and surprise attacks.
5. Despite being pitched as a standalone game after losing the “Call of Duty” license, “Roman Wars” never progressed beyond the prototype stage.
Key Questions and Answers:
1. What was the concept behind “Roman Wars”?
Answer: “Roman Wars” aimed to offer players a unique gaming experience set in the Roman era, featuring epic battles, gladiator combat, and tactical elements.
2. Why didn’t “Roman Wars” get released?
Answer: Concerns about diluting the core essence of the “Call of Duty” brand led to the cancellation of the game. It never progressed beyond the prototype stage.
3. Was there any discussion about launching “Roman Wars” as an exclusive title for a specific console?
Answer: Yes, there were discussions about launching “Roman Wars” as an exclusive title for the Xbox One console.
Key Challenges or Controversies:
1. Balancing historical accuracy with gameplay mechanics: The game faced the challenge of representing historical warfare while still offering engaging gameplay that would appeal to modern gamers.
Advantages:
1. Unique setting: “Roman Wars” would have provided an opportunity for players to experience ancient warfare and the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
Disadvantages:
1. Game cancellation: The game never progressed beyond the prototype stage, depriving gamers of the chance to play and experience the completed product.
Suggested related link: VG247 – Roman Wars
