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- Blur was an arcade racer from 2010 that featured mechanics like vehicular combat.
- This added a new element of intensity to each race.
- A sequel to the game was planned, but it was canceled after Blur underperformed.
- Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard could open the door for the return of this IP.
Plenty of video game IPs have been practically abandoned for several reasons, such as shifting industry trends and poor commercial reception. Dino Crisis, Clock Tower, Twisted Metal, and more are the notable names that come to mind.
It is no surprise that racing games aren’t exactly doing well in this current generation, with little to no big releases aside from major IPs such as Forza Horizon and Gran Turismo. Even Need For Speed, undoubtedly the biggest racing series, hasn’t been doing well, judging by the recent releases.
The racing genre must reclaim its former glory from the early 2000s when games such as Need For Speed and Midnight Club dominated the industry. I would love to see the latter making a comeback, in addition to Burnout, but Blur is also a series that needs a revival.
Why it matters: The arcade racing genre is starved for new releases. This is the perfect opportunity for Xbox and Activision to capitalize on this market.
What Made Blur Special?
During the days of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, Blur held the top spots of the arcade genre with a unique twist on street racing by introducing power elements. Sometimes referred to as Mario Kart with real cars, Blur was a unique racing game that favored vehicular combat more than racing itself.
Blur wasn’t at the top of the charts in terms of sales, even compared to the Project Gotham Racing series, which was made by the same developer, Bizzare Creation. However, in terms of gameplay, this series offered something not found in any other game.
With intense races heightened by the tension of an incoming powerup, unique comeback moments thanks to game-changing boosts, and a solid lineup of cars, the racer had enough to keep me and other players entertained for hours on end.
Overall, Blur is still an excellent game that has developed a cult following over the years. Despite that, the franchise has yet to receive a new entry in over a decade, with the last entry being a freemium mobile game.
Now that the Microsoft and Activision Blizzard merger is complete, I would love to see a revival of Blur.
The Blur Sequel That Never Saw The Light Of Day
Right after the first game’s release in 2010, Activision planned a sequel, which was supposed to be released sometime in 2013. Blur 2 would have been even more bizarre than the first one, introducing several new features.
One huge change would be the introduction of wall riding, allowing cars to ride on walls, making the driving experience even wilder by adding an element of verticality to expand the gameplay.
New tracks such as Dubai, Detroit, Hong Kong, Liverpool, and more were planned. The tracks would also have featured interactive elements and events like avalanches, desert storms, and more.
While the sequel looked incredible and was expected to take things up a notch, Activision canceled the game in 2011 after shutting down the development team. According to the publisher, the game didn’t have a wide enough audience despite the ambitious gameplay mechanics.
Activision wasn’t confident with the sequel and considered selling the IP. Over the years, footage of the canceled sequel was leaked, showcasing the new mechanics planned for the game.
In 2020, a playable demo for the racer featuring new cars and tracks was also leaked. Going by the gameplay footage, it was a real shame and disappointment for such a unique game to be canceled.
Activision Wants To Revive Old Games
While the audience is currently fixated on Call of Duty’s exclusivity and how the Activision merger with Microsoft will change the industry’s direction, many are ignoring other IPs, some of which have been forgotten, just like Blur.
The publisher, following the merger, expressed interest in reviving old-school titles, and Blur is part of that legacy. This could also lead to a new life for the likes of Prototype, one of the studio’s most unique franchises.
It would be exciting to see what Microsoft can achieve with a reboot or remake of Blur.
With current-gen technology, races can be more frenetic than ever, combat more destructive, and the thrill of victory more satisfying than before, thanks to bigger races through online gameplay.
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Moiz Banoori, with a decade of experience in gaming and tech journalism and a degree in journalism, is a notable figure in the industry. He has contributed to various esteemed platforms, showcasing his expertise in both reporting and opinion writing.
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