TimeSplitters 4 is Still Possible

Despite being bought out by Crytek, the studio formerly known as Free Radical may still be developing TimeSplitters 4 in the future.

Free Radical was founded in 1999 by ex-members of another development studio, Rare. Before leaving, some of the members were responsible for developing two of the most influential first-person shooters ever: GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark. Some argue that Rare wasn't the same after some of their members left to join Free Radical.

Because of their highly impressive portfolio, many couldn't wait for the first project from Free Radical. In 2000, they released the spiritual successor to GoldenEye 007 and Perfect Dark. TimeSplitters on the Playstation 2 is a first-person shooter that shares many common elements from the two aforementioned titles. It also adds plenty of new elements like a map creation mode.

Although it wasn't a breakout success, TimeSplitters still sold well enough to warrant a few more sequels. Unlike the original, however, TimeSplitters 2 (2002) and TimeSplitters: Future Perfect (2005) would be multiplatform releases. Aside from the Playstation 2, later games in the series were also released on the Gamecube and Xbox.

After the release of TimeSplitters: Future Perfect, Free Radical decided to move onto the next-generation of video game systems. Instead of continuing their modestly popular series, however, they decided to start a completely new intellectual property. Haze was originally announced for the PC, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. However, it was made into a Playstation 3 exclusive title.

Unfortunately for Free Radical, developing for the Playstation 3 didn't go as smoothly as planned and their project suffered numerous setbacks. Haze was finally released in May of 2008. Despite showing plenty of promise, it had plenty of rough edges. Due in large part to the game mediocrity, Haze did not sell as well as anticipated.

Financially, Haze took a toll on Free Radical. The game didn't sell well enough to make up for the amount of money spent over the years developing the Playstation 3 exclusive title. The once rising development studio had to lay off most of their staff and was on the brink of closure.

Fortunately, Crytek managed to swoop in at the last moment and purchased what is left of Free Radical. The new owners decided to rename their new studio to Crytek UK. Before running into financial troubles, Crytek UK was working on TimeSplitters 4. While the project has since been cancelled, the door is still open for a sequel to the popular first-person shooting series. Just don't expect TimeSplitters 4 to be released anytime soon.