Fez 2 Game Cancelled July 2013 Due to Creator Phil Fish Disillusionment

Fez 2, the sequel to the popular 2012 game, was cancelled in July 2013. This means players will not get to experience the new game.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Video Games |

The Fez 2 project, a promised continuation of the acclaimed 2012 indie game, met its demise not through a single, decisive blow, but as the culmination of a prolonged period of public discourse and expressed disillusionment by its creator, Phil Fish. While details surrounding the exact trigger remain fragmented, the abrupt cessation of development in July 2013, publicly announced via Twitter, followed intense public scrutiny and personal conflicts involving Fish.

The cancellation wasn't an isolated incident but rather the public face of Fish's profound dissatisfaction with the gaming industry and its surrounding culture. He cited personal attacks and industry criticisms as the driving force behind his decision to step away from development.

Fez 2 was never meant to be, but we didn't need it anyway - 1

The Public Unraveling

The sequence of events leading to Fez 2's cancellation involved a notable public exchange between Phil Fish and journalist Marcus Beer. The dispute reportedly began when Beer questioned Fish about Microsoft's policies on independent game publishing, a topic Fish was reluctant to discuss. This led to a heated online exchange, during which Fish reportedly made aggressive and offensive remarks, including a suggestion that Beer take his own life. This incident appears to have been a significant factor in the escalating tensions.

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"this is isn’t the result of any one thing, but the end of a long, bloody campaign. this is as much as i can stomach."

This statement, attributed to Phil Fish around the time of the cancellation, underscores a sense of prolonged struggle rather than a sudden outburst.

Fez 2 was never meant to be, but we didn't need it anyway - 2

Industry's Embrace, Creator's Discontent

Despite the circumstances of its cancellation, the original Fez is widely remembered for its innovative gameplay and unique perspective. The game’s success had led to a significant following and anticipation for a sequel. However, Fish expressed a growing distaste for the gaming industry and its audience.

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The impact of Fez extends beyond its direct lineage. The games that followed, inspired by its mechanics and ethos, are seen by some as fulfilling the role a sequel might have, offering their own meaningful contributions to the landscape of interactive entertainment. The sentiment that the world "never needed Fez 2" suggests a belief that the original game's legacy was sufficiently cemented, and its influence sufficiently dispersed through other creative works.

A Legacy in Flux

Fez has seen continued life, with ports appearing on various platforms, including iOS, PC, PlayStation 4, and more recently, the Nintendo Switch. This ongoing availability of the original game contrasts with the definitive end of its potential sequel.

The public nature of Fish's frustrations, amplified by appearances in documentaries like Indie Game: The Movie, offered glimpses into the personal toll of game development and public life. While the exact catalysts for the Fez 2 cancellation are multifaceted, the narrative surrounding it is one of creator burnout and a profound disconnect between the artist and the audience, ultimately leading to the project's abandonment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the Fez 2 game cancelled in July 2013?
Fez 2 was cancelled in July 2013 because its creator, Phil Fish, felt very unhappy with the video game industry and faced personal attacks. He said he had 'as much as he can stomach'.
Q: What happened between Phil Fish and Marcus Beer that led to Fez 2's cancellation?
Phil Fish had a big online argument with journalist Marcus Beer about Microsoft's game rules. Fish said some very bad things, which made the situation worse.
Q: Did Phil Fish say why he stopped making Fez 2?
Yes, Phil Fish said this was not because of one thing, but the end of a long and hard fight. He was tired of the gaming world and its criticisms.
Q: Is the original Fez game still available to play?
Yes, the first Fez game is still available. It has been released on many devices like computers, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
Q: What is the legacy of Fez 2 being cancelled?
The cancellation of Fez 2 shows the problems game makers can have with the public and the industry. Some people think other games have already brought new ideas like Fez did.