Controversy Surrounding the Naming of Arkane’s 2017 Title, Prey
Arkane Studios’ 2017 immersive simulation, Prey, stands out not only as an exceptional video game but also for its perplexing title—shared with a previous first-person shooter and a notoriously shelved sequel that bears no relation to it.
Raphael Colantonio, the founder of Arkane, expressed his reservations about the title several years back, indicating that he was not alone in this sentiment. Former Bethesda marketing chief, Pete Hines, revealed in a conversation with Dbltap that he also vehemently opposed the name.
“I definitely alienated some colleagues over that because I fought tooth and nail against using that name,” Hines stated. “Even as the leading voice, I had substantial backing from my team—spanning brand, PR, and community—who felt we were encumbering it with a title that necessitated more explanation than enthusiasm for the game itself.”
The oddity of this situation is further magnified upon exploring the origins of the title. The original Prey was conceived by Human Head Studios and launched in 2006, receiving critical acclaim. A sequel was envisioned, though it diverged significantly, featuring a distinct protagonist in an entirely different setting.
A compelling cinematic trailer set expectations that the planned continuation ultimately could not meet, leading to its cancellation.
Years later, Bethesda made the decision to resurrect the Prey title for an entirely disparate project, relegating one of the greatest immersive simulations to a name that often necessitated clarification. Explanations regarding this disjunction have never fully resonated with audiences.
Colantonio, in particular, has conveyed that no one within Arkane was in favor of the name change, asserting that the imposition of this title contributed to his decision to depart from the studio shortly after the release of Prey (2017).
Reflecting on these events, Hines articulated his regret over the inability to alter the game’s name but maintained that “nobody on this planet could have exerted more effort in good faith to change minds on that issue.”
“My overarching argument was that look at how much precious time we expend discussing what the game entails versus why it is designated as such; this is unproductive energy siphoned away from excitement,” Hines lamented. “We could channel that enthusiasm toward something constructive.”
One cannot help but concur. While it may be speculative to attribute the underwhelming performance of Prey to the recycling of its name, it certainly did not aid its cause. With the plethora of alternative names available, the rationale behind Bethesda’s steadfastness on this particular title remains unfathomable.
Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge that the game is indeed remarkable, offering an enticing opportunity for potential players, as it is currently discounted by 80%—available for just $6 on GOG.
Additional Insights from Hines’ Interview
This interview provided not only an exploration of the naming controversy but also amusing anecdotes regarding other Bethesda controversies. Hines, recalling the infamous Fallout 76 canvas bag issue, remarked, “When did we even add a canvas bag to this collector’s edition?”
Controversy Surrounding the Naming of Arkane’s 2017 Title, Prey
Arkane Studios’ 2017 immersive simulation, Prey, stands out not only as an exceptional video game but also for its perplexing title—shared with a previous first-person shooter and a notoriously shelved sequel that bears no relation to it.
Raphael Colantonio, the founder of Arkane, expressed his reservations about the title several years back, indicating that he was not alone in this sentiment. Former Bethesda marketing chief, Pete Hines, revealed in a conversation with Dbltap that he also vehemently opposed the name.
“I definitely alienated some colleagues over that because I fought tooth and nail against using that name,” Hines stated. “Even as the leading voice, I had substantial backing from my team—spanning brand, PR, and community—who felt we were encumbering it with a title that necessitated more explanation than enthusiasm for the game itself.”
The oddity of this situation is further magnified upon exploring the origins of the title. The original Prey was conceived by Human Head Studios and launched in 2006, receiving critical acclaim. A sequel was envisioned, though it diverged significantly, featuring a distinct protagonist in an entirely different setting.
A compelling cinematic trailer set expectations that the planned continuation ultimately could not meet, leading to its cancellation.
Years later, Bethesda made the decision to resurrect the Prey title for an entirely disparate project, relegating one of the greatest immersive simulations to a name that often necessitated clarification. Explanations regarding this disjunction have never fully resonated with audiences.
Colantonio, in particular, has conveyed that no one within Arkane was in favor of the name change, asserting that the imposition of this title contributed to his decision to depart from the studio shortly after the release of Prey (2017).
Reflecting on these events, Hines articulated his regret over the inability to alter the game’s name but maintained that “nobody on this planet could have exerted more effort in good faith to change minds on that issue.”
“My overarching argument was that look at how much precious time we expend discussing what the game entails versus why it is designated as such; this is unproductive energy siphoned away from excitement,” Hines lamented. “We could channel that enthusiasm toward something constructive.”
One cannot help but concur. While it may be speculative to attribute the underwhelming performance of Prey to the recycling of its name, it certainly did not aid its cause. With the plethora of alternative names available, the rationale behind Bethesda’s steadfastness on this particular title remains unfathomable.
Nonetheless, it is essential to acknowledge that the game is indeed remarkable, offering an enticing opportunity for potential players, as it is currently discounted by 80%—available for just $6 on GOG.
Additional Insights from Hines’ Interview
This interview provided not only an exploration of the naming controversy but also amusing anecdotes regarding other Bethesda controversies. Hines, recalling the infamous Fallout 76 canvas bag issue, remarked, “When did we even add a canvas bag to this collector’s edition?”
Source link: Pcgamer.com.
