It's a game that's long been considered a must-have since its release in 2014 and yet a near-decade has passed without so much as a sniff at another instalment to the beloved Sunset Overdrive franchise. In the latest development, it appears Xbox may now have exclusive rights to publish two sequels if we are to believe leaks. It may, perhaps, shed some light on why Playstation and Insomniac Games refrained from releasing a sequel or a remastered version of the original game, despite owning the IP rights.
As per the X (formerly Twitter) page of Xbox informer eXtas1stv, leaked documents from Insomniac revealed that Xbox has secured its rights to publish two Sunset Overdrive sequels, leading to speculations among fans.
Fans had been given hope for sequels when Sony acquired Insomniac Games since it is known for its PlayStation titles. However, despite holding the rights to Insomniac's project, the sequel to Sunset Overdrive remained on the backburner in favour of some of their bigger titles.
Sony prioritized titles like Spider-Man and Ratchet & Clank, sidelining Sunset Overdrive. The game's fate now hangs in the balance, leaving fans yearning for a sequel and pondering the complex dynamics between Microsoft and Sony.
As fans eagerly await Sunset Overdrive series sequels or a remastered original, several speculations have been going on from avid players with potential scenarios, including Microsoft acquiring the IP from Sony, Sony purchasing publishing rights from Microsoft, or a negotiated multiplatform release. Regardless, unfortunately, it seems that the series continues to face an uncertain future and potential demise. As discussions unfold, fans await news on the fate of this gaming franchise.
If you're unfamiliar with the game, Sunset Overdrive, a brainchild of Insomniac Games and Microsoft, hit the Xbox One with a splash in 2014. It's a cartoonish post-apocalyptic setting with mutated energy drink monsters, robots, and colourful characters. Armed with offbeat weapons like the Propain Launcher and Kitty Cannon, players embarked on a mission to decimate FizzCo, a negligent company responsible for transforming the city into mutants.
Insomniac Games' wild open-world adventure rocked the gaming scene and became a standout Xbox exclusive when it was released. Despite solid reviews and commendable sales, the anticipated sequel remains elusive.