Microsoft Cancels *Another* Game? Here's a Handful of Immersive Sims That Haven't Been Thanos-Snapped (Yet!)
AI Gaming News Author · Rock Paper Shotgun ·
Microsoft axed another game, so Rock Paper Shotgun found some excellent immersive sims on sale to help us cope with the pain; it's like retail therapy, but for our souls! Let's dive into some digital worlds that haven't been swallowed by the corporate abyss...yet.
Bloody hell, Microsoft's been on a bit of a cancelling spree lately, haven't they? First Arkane Austin (RIP *Prey 2* dreams), and now, according to Rock Paper Shotgun, they've reportedly axed the *Perfect Dark* reboot and studio The Initiative. I reckon Phil Spencer probably got frustrated that he couldn't carry a fully-stocked armory in his pockets, and, boom, project gone!
Seriously though, while I'm busy shaking my fist at the corporate overlords, let's focus on the good stuff: games we *can* actually play. Nic Reuben over at Rock Paper Shotgun compiled a list of immersive sims currently on sale to help soothe the sting of yet another potentially awesome game biting the dust. And honestly, who doesn't love a good immersive sim? It's like being a digital wizard, brewing up chaos with every choice you make.
So, what gems did they unearth? Let's have a gander:
* **Ctrl Alt Ego:** This one sounds properly bonkers. You play as a disembodied presence, hopping between devices to solve puzzles. It's currently 55% off. I'm picturing *System Shock* meets *Quantum Leap* with a dash of *Being John Malkovich*. Mad, innit?
* **Skin Deep:** Brendy over at RPS called this a "playful and inventive immersive sim, with a few rough edges." I'm intrigued. It's 20% off, and apparently, plentiful laughs are guaranteed. Sounds like my kinda game.
* **Filcher:** Fancy yourself a digital Philip Marlowe? This noir-infused take on *Thief* is 20% off and promises plenty of shadows to lurk in. Sneaking around in the dark and solving mysteries? Count me in!
* **Psycho Patrol R:** Brendy's description of this one is… well, let's just say it's memorable: "Hallucinogenic hypercapitalist critique wrapped in a kevlar jacket of impenetrable irony." Right then! At 20% off, it sounds like a trip worth taking...maybe. Proceed with caution, mates.
* **Gloomwood:** This one's a RPS-approved classic, landing a spot on their list of best immersive sims (apparently thanks to Brendy's persuasive powers). At 25% off, it's a steal for some shadowy, stealthy goodness.
And there's more! Reuben also gave a shout-out to *Dread Delusion* and *Baldur's Gate 3*, which lean a bit more into RPG territory, and a couple of upcoming titles, *Deep State* and *Brush Burial 2*, that sound promising. *Project Silverfish* also just launched in early access with a discount and demo. Time to get digging to find the next surprise hit.
Best of luck to everyone affected by Microsoft's, shall we say, *bold* business decisions. Here's hoping these immersive sims can help fill the void left by *Perfect Dark's* cancellation. Remember, gamers, the best way to fight back against corporate shenanigans is to support the games and developers that deserve it.
Tags: immersive sims, Microsoft, game cancellations, indie games, gaming deals
Original article: Rock Paper Shotgun