Traxion loses traction

Music-puzzle game Traxion was one of the more anticipated PlayStation Portable titles due for release in 2007. The game claimed to combine gaming and music "like never before," by letting players use their own MP3s, stored on a memory stick, as the basis for more than 20 minigame-style puzzles. Originally due in November 2006, the game was later pushed back to the first quarter of 2007.

However on Monday, in a shock announcement, UK-based developer Kuju stated that it and publisher LucasArts had "mutually agreed" to end their working relationship on the game. It confirmed that the title would no longer be released but declined to give a reason why. Studio head at Kuju Brighton, Ed Daly, said, "For reasons of confidentiality we can make no specific comment about the termination of the relationship. However we can say that Kuju Brighton is committed to continue developing innovative lifestyle and music-based games, and we hope to be able to make a more specific announcement about the future of games based on our award-winning music analysis technology in the near future."

Kuju hired 20 new staff in June 2006, many to work on Traxion at its Brighton studio, as well as two other titles the developer is currently working on. The company has six studios in total, including in London, Sheffield, and Surrey. German investment company Catalis N.V. recently put in a £4.4 million ($8.6 million) offer for Kuju.