The gaming industry is full of ‘what if’ stories, but few are as fascinating as InXile Entertainment’s cancelled VR project that eventually birthed Clockwork Revolution. This untold story reveals how a failed Wasteland VR survival game collaboration with DayZ’s former director shaped one of gaming’s most anticipated upcoming RPGs.
The Secret Wasteland VR Project Xbox Cancelled
Before Clockwork Revolution became the steampunk time-travel RPG we know today, InXile Entertainment was working on something completely different. The studio had partnered with Dean Hall, the former creative director of DayZ, to develop a Wasteland VR survival game. This ambitious project would have marked a dramatic departure from InXile’s traditional turn-based RPG formula.
The cancellation came directly from Xbox, who ultimately decided the VR market wasn’t ready for such a substantial investment. As one Reddit user pointed out, ‘sounds like a plan that will only result in selling five copies’ – a sentiment that likely echoed in Microsoft’s boardrooms.
Why InXile’s VR Gamble Made Perfect Sense
Despite the market skepticism, InXile’s VR venture wasn’t entirely unreasonable. The studio was looking to:
- Expand beyond their traditional turn-based RPG audience
- Leverage the Wasteland IP in new ways
- Partner with proven talent like Dean Hall
- Position themselves as VR pioneers in the RPG space
- Create a unique gaming experience unavailable elsewhere
The collaboration with Dean Hall was particularly intriguing. Hall’s experience with DayZ’s survival mechanics could have brought a fresh perspective to the post-apocalyptic Wasteland universe.
How Clockwork Revolution Rose from VR’s Ashes
When Xbox cancelled the VR project, InXile didn’t abandon their ambitions for innovation. Instead, they channeled that creative energy into Clockwork Revolution, a first-person RPG that combines shooting mechanics with deep role-playing elements in a steampunk setting.
The transition proved beneficial. Community reactions to Clockwork Revolution have been overwhelmingly positive, with many comparing it favorably to BioShock Infinite. One enthusiastic fan noted that ‘CR has undoubtedly stood out as the most exciting aspect of this not-E3 event for me.’
The Creative Team Behind Both Projects
| Role | Name | Previous Work |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Head | Brian Fargo | Wasteland series, Fallout |
| Game Director | Jason Anderson | Fallout 1&2, Arcanum, VTMB |
| Principal Designer | Chad Moore | Multiple InXile projects |
| VR Collaborator | Dean Hall | DayZ (former director) |
What Clockwork Revolution Learned from the Cancelled VR Project
The failed VR initiative taught InXile valuable lessons about market timing and audience expectations. Instead of chasing emerging technology, they focused on proven gameplay mechanics with innovative twists. Clockwork Revolution features time manipulation mechanics that create unique narrative possibilities without requiring specialized hardware.
The game’s development benefits from a substantial team of approximately 110 developers, showing Microsoft’s continued confidence in InXile despite the VR project’s cancellation.
Current Status and Future Prospects
While Clockwork Revolution has generated significant buzz since its initial reveal, InXile remains coy about release dates. The studio’s ‘in due time’ messaging suggests they’re prioritizing quality over quick delivery. This measured approach likely stems from lessons learned during the rushed VR project phase.
Industry observers speculate a 2026 or 2027 release window, allowing InXile to avoid competing with other major Xbox exclusives while ensuring the game meets their ambitious vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was InXile’s cancelled VR project about?
InXile was developing a Wasteland-themed VR survival game in collaboration with Dean Hall, the former creative director of DayZ. Xbox cancelled the project due to concerns about VR market viability.
Why did Xbox cancel InXile’s VR game?
The cancellation likely resulted from market analysis showing limited VR adoption and concerns about return on investment for a major VR-exclusive title.
How does Clockwork Revolution differ from the cancelled VR project?
Clockwork Revolution is a traditional first-person RPG with steampunk aesthetics and time manipulation mechanics, completely different from the survival-focused VR game.
Who is Dean Hall and why was his involvement significant?
Dean Hall is the former creative director of DayZ, known for pioneering survival game mechanics. His collaboration with InXile would have brought unique survival expertise to the Wasteland universe.
When will Clockwork Revolution be released?
InXile hasn’t announced an official release date, but industry speculation points to 2026 or 2027 based on development progress and Xbox’s release schedule.
What lessons did InXile learn from the cancelled VR project?
The experience taught InXile about market timing, audience expectations, and the importance of proven gameplay mechanics over cutting-edge technology for technology’s sake.
Is there any chance the VR project could be revived?
Given InXile’s full commitment to Clockwork Revolution and VR market realities, a revival seems unlikely. The studio appears focused on traditional gaming platforms.
The Silver Lining
While the cancellation of InXile’s VR project initially seemed like a setback, it ultimately led to something potentially greater. Clockwork Revolution represents the studio’s evolution from ambitious experimentation to focused innovation. The game promises to deliver the narrative depth and player choice InXile is known for, wrapped in an accessible package that doesn’t require expensive VR equipment.
Sometimes the best projects emerge from the ashes of cancelled ones. In InXile’s case, their cancelled VR venture may have been the catalyst needed to create what could become their most successful game yet.