Mismanaged Legends: Game Franchises That Deserved Better
Some game franchises don’t fade away—they get driven off a cliff. Whether through rushed sequels, tone-deaf reboots, or corporate neglect, these IPs were once beloved and full of potential. But somewhere along the way, mismanagement dragged them into mediocrity, or worse. Here are some of the biggest heartbreaks in gaming history, along with a few that may still find redemption.
Mass Effect: Andromeda’s Fall—and a Possible Redemption
Mass Effect was once BioWare’s crown jewel. But Andromeda launched in 2017 with stiff animations, shallow characters, and a forgettable story. Development was rushed, the Frostbite engine was ill-suited for RPGs, and the game lacked the polish of its predecessors. BioWare’s reputation became a hit, and the franchise went dark.
Now, hope is stirring. Mass Effect 5 is in development, and early teasers suggest a return to the original trilogy’s tone and systems. Meanwhile, Amazon is producing a Mass Effect TV series, which could reignite interest and expand the universe for new audiences. If handled with care, these projects could restore the franchise’s legacy.
Misstep: Poor planning, engine mismatch, and a rushed release.
Redemption: A promising sequel and transmedia expansion that could bring the series back to life.
Silent Hill: From Foggy Missteps to a Clearer Future
Another iconic series that lost its way, this time in the fog. Silent Hill helped define psychological horror in gaming, with its eerie atmosphere, symbolic storytelling, and haunting sound design. However, after Silent Hill 4, the franchise began to drift. Konami handed the IP to various Western studios, resulting in uneven entries like Homecoming and Downpour. The cancellation of Silent Hills, a promising reboot led by Hideo Kojima and Guillermo del Toro, was a devastating blow.
For years, the series languished in limbo. But in 2023, Konami began to course-correct. The Silent Hill 2 Remake, developed by Bloober Team, received strong reviews and commercial success. It preserved the original’s psychological depth while modernizing visuals and controls. Meanwhile, Silent Hill f, a new entry set in 1960s Japan, surprised fans with its fresh setting and narrative ambition. Both titles signaled that Konami might finally be treating the franchise with the care it deserves.
Misstep: Years of fragmented creative direction and corporate neglect.
Redemption: A focused revival with high-quality remakes and bold new entries.
Deus Ex: Cyberpunk Royalty in Cryostasis
Deus Ex was once the gold standard for immersive sims, blending stealth, hacking, and player choice in a dystopian cyberpunk world. But after Mankind Divided launched in 2016 with a cliffhanger ending and underwhelming sales, Square Enix shelved the series. Fans were left with no closure and no roadmap.
Now, under Embracer Group’s ownership, a new Deus Ex project is reportedly in development. If it leverages the franchise’s strengths, nonlinear design, philosophical themes, and deep systems, it could reclaim its place as a genre leader.
Misstep: Abrupt narrative cutoff and publisher abandonment.
Redemption: A new entry in development with a chance to restore the franchise’s legacy.
Dragon Age: Veilguard — A Misfire in the Fade
But not every BioWare franchise has found its footing again. After years of anticipation, Dragon Age: The Veilguard launched in October 2024 with the weight of a legacy on its shoulders. Instead of a triumphant return, it delivered a polarizing experience that fractured the fan base.
Longtime fans criticized the story for sidelining established lore and characters. The tone shifted to stylized irreverence, and the gameplay simplified tactical depth in favor of flashy action. Despite a critic Metascore in the low 80s, the user score plummeted, and community sentiment soured quickly.
Misstep: A tonal and mechanical shift that alienated core fans.
Redemption: Unlikely unless BioWare radically rethinks its approach.
Splinter Cell: The Stealth Icon That Went Silent
Splinter Cell defined stealth-action for a generation. But after Blacklist in 2013, the franchise went dark. Sam Fisher became a cameo character in other Ubisoft titles, but fans were left waiting for a true return.
That wait may soon end. A full Splinter Cell Remake is in development, aiming to modernize the original while preserving its core stealth mechanics. If it succeeds, it could reintroduce a generation to the art of shadows and silence.
Misstep: Franchise neglect and brand dilution.
Redemption: A remake that could reestablish stealth as a viable AAA genre.
Bloodborne: A Masterpiece Left to Rot
Bloodborne is widely considered one of the best action RPGs of the 2010s. But despite its success, Sony has never greenlit a sequel, PC port, or remaster. It’s still locked at 30fps on PS4, with no enhancements for modern hardware. Fans have begged for a revival, and rumors persist, but nothing official has surfaced.
Misstep: Neglecting a critically acclaimed IP with massive demand.
Redemption: A remake or sequel could instantly reignite interest and dominate sales.
Tenchu: The Original Stealth Assassin
Before Sekiro, there was Tenchu. Set in feudal Japan, it pioneered stealth gameplay with the use of grappling hooks, disguises, and silent takedowns. Activision owns the rights, but the series has been dormant since 2009. With stealth games making a resurgence, Tenchu deserves a modern reimagining.
Misstep: Letting a genre-defining IP fade into obscurity.
Redemption: A reboot could capitalize on Sekiro’s success and fill a niche.
Final Thought
These franchises didn’t fade; they were fumbled. Mismanagement doesn’t always mean a lack of talent; it often means a lack of vision, patience, or respect for what made the IP special. But with new projects on the horizon, some of these legends may yet reclaim their thrones. In an era of remakes and revivals, redemption is always one good game away, unless the damage runs too deep.
References
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Manchester, A. (2025, November 7). BioWare reveals when Amazon’s Mass Effect TV show takes place. Polygon. https://www.polygon.com/mass-effect-amazon-tv-show-n7-day-2025/
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