In what can only be said as only an unconfirmed rumor at the moment, it looks as though Blizzard's highly anticipated game is either delayed once again, or has been shelved for the time being.
On the news site Business Wire there is a supposed press release from Blizzard basically stating that production for StarCraft: Ghost has (for all intents and purposes) been halted. Here is the unedited rumored press release:
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 24, 2006--Blizzard Entertainment Inc. today announced plans to focus the company's console-development efforts on the next generation of console platforms. As part of this shift in focus, Blizzard(R) will indefinitely postpone production on StarCraft: Ghost(TM) while evaluating opportunities for utilizing the additional power of the new and upcoming console systems.
"Like many in the industry, we've been impressed with the potential of the new consoles, and we're looking forward to exploring that potential further," stated Mike Morhaime, president and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. "In addition to allowing us to determine the best course for StarCraft: Ghost, this review period will help us lay the groundwork for our future console games."
In the months ahead, Blizzard will further evaluate the next-gen console technology and determine the best plan of action for offering a StarCraft(R) console-gaming experience that meets the company's expectations and those of its players. Further specifics on plans for StarCraft: Ghost and Blizzard's future console games, as well as platform and release information, will be revealed at a later date
This is not confirmed on any other videogame news sites and the moment and has not been found on any of Blizzard's webpages. GosuGamers has not yet recieved any word from Blizzard as to the truth of this press release. Thank you to Valamius of the World of WarCraft US Realm Uther for his post in the WoW general forums. We will be sure to keep you up to date on this breaking story!
UPDATE 1 (12:35AM PST): In searching IGN.com's website with the term "StarCraft Ghost" you will find that all the versions of the game have "(cancelled)" next to them (in addition to the previously known cancelation of the Gamecube version). This is definitely significant proof that there is something going on with the game. In the IGN description of the Xbox version of the game the last paragraph states:
Despite early buzz and standing anticipation, StarCraft: Ghost suffered numerous in its ambitious development schedule, and eventually lost its original developer due to commitments. The PS2 and Xbox versions continued on with a new developer, but in March of 2006, the current-gen games were put on indefinite postponement as chief overseer Blizzard moved its focus towards next-gen systems. The possibility is open for StarCraft: Ghost to be resurrected on other platforms, but the current-gen versions are essentially on hold and likely cancelled unless otherwise decided upon.
Look like it has been cancelled, confirmed by two sources now.
UPDATE 2 (05:33AM PST): IGN has posted a detailed news post about the cancellation that leaves open the possibilty of Ghost going next-gen.
UPDATE 3 (9:40AM PST 3/28/06): StarCraft Legacy has pointed out that the link to the StarCraft: Ghost site has been removed from the Blizzard main page although the StarCraft: Ghost page is still up. Blizzard may very well have just confirmed the status of the game.
Links
World of WarCraft Forums - Source
Business Wire - Press Release
StarCraft Legacy - Updated News
