Rumor: Benito Leaves Fallujah Developer

[Andy Chalk]

Rumor: Benito Leaves Fallujah Developer

Juan Benito, the creative director of Six Days in Fallujah developer Atomic Games [http://www.atomic.com], is rumored to have left the company.

Benito's departure, first reported by still listed [http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/atomic-keeps-quiet-on-benito-quit-rumours] as Creative Director on the Atomic Games website.

Atomic specializes in the development of "historically themed videogames" such as the Six Days in Fallujah [http://www.mobygames.com/game-group/v-for-victory-series], a shooter based on the real-life experiences of combatants in the November 2004 battle in the Iraqi city of Fallujah.

Plans for the game triggered backed out [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/90759-Six-Days-in-Fallujah-Triggers-Outrage] of its deal to publish the game only three weeks after its existence was revealed, prompting Atomic CEO Peter Tamte to ask if game developers are "media companies capable of producing content that is as relevant as movies, music and television," or merely "toymakers."


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[fix-the-spade]

Can't say I blame, there's nothing worse than sitting on a project you can't finish.

 

[Rigs83]

I wished they had gotten a chance to deliver the game and let it speak for itself.

 

[The Random One]

prompting Atomic CEO Peter Tamte to ask if game developers are "media companies capable of producing content that is as relevant as movies, music and television," or merely "toymakers."

Great one, sir.

 

[hansari]

Atomic CEO Peter Tamte to ask if game developers are "media companies capable of producing content that is as relevant as movies, music and television," or merely "toymakers."

Thats one of the real tragedies here...this would have made an excellent example of how video games can convey a strong message just like other mediums...

"Crass outrage" [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/90759-Six-Days-in-Fallujah-Triggers-Outrage]...Where was the outrage that stopped Hollywood from making a "historical" movie about 9/11?

 

[Bretty]

They knew movies about 9/11 would make a crap load of money. This is a risk and a big one at that.

I love Close Combat, as a matter of fact I think it is the most overlooked RTS out there. But Atomic are going to have a tough fight bringing this title to gold.

And dont forget peeps that Devs leave teams regardless of project state. They rarely sign contracts at all making them stay. He prolly got a better offer for a game with less risk.

Right or wrong cant blame a man for his opinions or wanting the best for his career.

 

[Chipperz]

Shame. I really wanted to see this one come all the way through to completion, if only to prove that games are more than just "toys".

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but everyone that was "morallt outraged" by the game wouldn't have got it anyway! Why would developers listen to this bullshit?

 

[Cpt_Oblivious]

Shame. I really wanted to see this one come all the way through to completion, if only to prove that games are more than just "toys".

Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but everyone that was "morallt outraged" by the game wouldn't have got it anyway! Why would developers listen to this bullshit?

But if the outraged people don't play it then how will we be able to show them that games are amture and not just toys?

 

[cainx10a]

Exploiting a War that's a few years old, BS. An immoral war at that too. Gears of Fallujah, rest in pieces. If I wanted to evict some local from their home, shoot their husband, and force freedom and democracy down their throat, well, I could always play ARMA 2. (No, this ain't an advertisement for ARMA 2, though I am trying hard to get my buddies to buy it =D)