CONFIRMED: Junction Point Reportedly Shut Down

[Donald Duck]

This is a rumor that is not confirmed, so bear that in mind.

Junction Point, the Austin, Texas-based developer responsible for Epic Mickey and Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, has reportedly been shut down by Disney. While the Wii exclusive Epic Mickey was a modest success, its multi-platform sequel has bombed in sales and scored reviews that ranged from lukewarm to abysmal (the first game had a better critical reception, in spite of the detractors).

The rumor started when Robert Space Industries (never heard of it, myself) tweeted, "Second 21 gun salute for a studio in 7 days. Fare-the-well [sic] Junction Point! We hope that you all find new studios soon!" George Broussard of 3D Realms (Duke Nukem) noted, "The Junction Point rumors have been circulating a while. Warning signs when you give employees 2 months off after shipping."

Again, these came from two guys and not Disney itself. We'll find out eventually. If this is true, though, then that must be hard for Mr. Spector, because he said he always envisioned Epic Mickey as a 4 game series.

What do you guys think? If this rumor is true, are you glad, or sad?

Source: www.joystiq.com/2013/01/28/disney-shutters-epic-mickey-developer-junction-point/

Update: Disney has confirmed that Junction Point is no more, and that Warren Spector has left Disney altogether.

It was with much sadness that we informed our teams today of changes to our Games organization, which include the closure of Junction Point Studios. These changes are part of our ongoing effort to address the fast-evolving gaming platforms and marketplace and to align resources against our key priorities. We're extremely grateful to Warren Spector and the Junction Point team for their creative contributions to Disney with Disney Epic Mickey and Disney Epic Mickey 2.

Source: www.nintendolife.com/news/2013/01/disney_confirms_that_junction_point_has_been_closed

[Cold Shadow]

I wouldn't lose any sleep over it, all things considered. I thought the original Epic Mickey was deplorable. With the sequel it seems as though the rest of the world finally sees what I saw within my first couple hours of playing the first game.

Power of Illusion was a fantastic idea, on paper, but the end product was clearly so rushed that it was drained of the lion's share of potential it had. And the further you get into the game, the more blatantly rushed and half-assed it reveals itself to be. Given more time, I really do think that Power of Illusion could have been great. As it was, it ranged from 'decent' to 'frustrating.'

Spector could have used Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two to redeem the flaws that riddled the first game. But instead he rebuked negative feedback from the first, and now he's reaping what he sowed. Pride can be a cruel beast.

If the rumor is true, then hopefully all of those programmers and other assorted employees find themselves stable work again within new companies. But I, for one, will not mourn the loss of a developer who has consistently disappointed me.

[Donald Duck]

This is what happens when you over-hype a game with glaring flaws, such as a broken camera, repetitive fetch quests, bland gameplay, and unfulfilled mechanics such as painting and thinning (they really didn't add much at all). This is what happens when, upon hearing criticism of said camera and problems, the company head says "They misunderstood us." Now, I never played Epic Mickey 2, but from what I've read, this is also what happens when you make a game that's even worse than the predecessor and not only fails to repair the problems, but introduces new ones. To get to the point, this is what happens when you make Epic Fails.

Epic Mickey has its fans, and great for them. I wish I could enjoy Epic Mickey, because I fell in love with the concept art, was excited for what was ultimately released... but I never warmed up to the game. And while I personally think Warren Spector is an arrogant blowhard, I also believe he is a serious Disney fan who has great ideas... but Junction Point's execution is, in my opinion, something that needs to be thinned out of existence, and repainted from scratch.

If this rumor is true, then I'm sorry for for the people who might lose their jobs... but if they had created better games, maybe this wouldn't have happened. Maybe. Sorry for being harsh, but that's how I honestly feel.

Of course, there is one very good thing that came from Epic Mickey. It made Oswald popular again! They actually sell Oswald ears at Disneyland now, and I see his fans everywhere at D23 and Disneyland. They're pretty cute. lol


Does this babe come with the ears?