Ruffian manhandling Crackdown 2?

Source: See below. What we heard: After it went on sale in February 2007, Crackdown became a hit for a variety of reasons. One big draw was that its Dundee, Scotland-based developer, Realtime Worlds, was founded by Grand Theft Auto cocreator David Jones. Another was that the game's GTA-esque...

Source: See below.

What we heard: After it went on sale in February 2007, Crackdown became a hit for a variety of reasons. One big draw was that its Dundee, Scotland-based developer, Realtime Worlds, was founded by Grand Theft Auto cocreator David Jones. Another was that the game's GTA-esque open-world gameplay was slated to precede Grand Theft Auto IV by eight months. Following a subsequent delay, Crackdown beat Rockstar's game by over a year. Finally, the initial shipments of the game came with a code that allowed players to access the beta test of Halo 3.

As a result of these factors, Crackdown went on to become a solid hit, selling more than 1.5 million units worldwide. According to the NPD Group, some 750,000 of those were in the US. So why hasn't a sequel been announced? That was the question raised by Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb in a podcast last week. Speaking with Microsoft Game Studios head Phil Spencer, the Xbox Live director of programming pronounced, "I'm here to say on behalf of the community, we need another Crackdown." Spencer concurred wholeheartedly, saying the game was "one of his favorites," but offered no new information.

Since nature--and the Internet--abhor a vacuum, speculation has rushed in to fill the cracks opened up by Hryb's and Spencer's comments. This week, the online edition of UK-based Edge magazine weaved several skeins together to form a compelling narrative about the possible development of a Crackdown sequel.

The rumor train starts with a Flickr photostream set titled "Office Viewing" spotted by ScottishGames.biz, a regional business site. Posted under the name "Ruffian Games," the streams' caption reads "Gaz, Billy, and Barry viewing units in the Vision building with a view to one of them being our permanent HQ."

Putting two and two together, Edge indentifies "Gaz" as Gaz Liddon, CEO of the Xen Group, a game-development consultancy group that provided "core technology for rendering and physics, artwork, design, and managerial resources" for the original Crackdown.

The "Billy" in question is tentatively ID'd by Edge as Crackdown lead designer Billy Thomson, rumored to be involved in a startup studio named Ruffian. Indeed, outside the office viewing set, the photostream features a Ruffian Games logo (pictured).

"Barry" is not identified, but the circumstantial evidence was enough for ScottishGames.biz to offer up a theory. After promising readers that "We never, ever deal in idle gossip," the site does exactly that, saying Ruffian's first project is "said to be the sequel to a best-selling sandbox game, also created in Dundee." US-based trade site GamaSutra quickly jumped on the bandwagon, saying it had confirmed with "unconfirmed sources" that Ruffian was indeed working on a Crackdown follow-up.

The official story: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."--Microsoft rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: The combination of Edge, GamaSutra, and ScottishGames.biz makes for a compelling "not bogus" argument. However, by midafternoon, the plot had thickened. Britain-based Videogaming247.com got in touch with Realtime Worlds studio head Colin MacDonald, who said that his shop was engaged in "ongoing discussions" to work on a second Crackdown.

Though MacDonald conceded that no deal had yet been signed, he did express skepticism "that Microsoft would harm an otherwise fruitful existing development relationship by gambling on funding Crackdown 2 with a startup on RTW's doorstep, for obvious reasons." He went on to contend that if Microsoft did go with another developer, it would likely be an established one. Whether his words are insider information or PR spin to help move along a deal has yet to be determined.

202 Comments

  • rick-garza

    Posted Jan 16, 2009 12:44 pm PT

    THC Very true man.. They did the same stuff with saintsrow and gta.. I mean would'nt it be more fun to wipe all the gangs out and after you beat the game atleast keep some gang members in the game itself.. you know.. like have them just pull random attacks on you n shyt that would be sick.. that's why games like Crackdown,Saints row and Gta Get Boring after awhile. because once you beat'em you just run around aggravating police and civilians for hours on in.

  • TheTHCGamer

    Posted Jan 13, 2009 6:23 pm PT

    the game was great but the only problem was there just wasnt enough game. there just werent enough mob bosses and after you killed them all you could do was level up more. seriously though what was the point if you already killed all the bosses? it kind of defeated the purpose. it was like why am i leveling up now?

    great game just needed a lot more bosses and reasons for you to keep playing the game.

  • socal982

    Posted Jan 9, 2009 8:33 pm PT

    They need only extend the first version of this game with More Guns, More Cars, More Bombs, and More Enimies and More Upgrades And Powers and it will be a soild hit.

    REMEMBER DON'T REINVENT JUST UPGRADE!

    Don't Stray From the Formula and I'll buy it.

  • steveguttenberg

    Posted Jan 6, 2009 7:41 am PT

    I can't believe we're this close to the Halo 4 beta.

  • steveguttenberg

    Posted Jan 6, 2009 7:37 am PT

    Oh... Ruffian is the developer. I came here ready to protect Crackdown 2 from dangerous thugs. My mistake.

  • itwiz90

    Posted Jan 5, 2009 8:11 pm PT

    A new crackdown, uhmmmmmm, interesting, but will it be worth it?\

  • msudude211

    Posted Jan 5, 2009 6:21 pm PT

    I would love a second Crackdown.

  • blazen01

    Posted Jan 4, 2009 8:56 pm PT

    this is so easy and it's boring but the game is great but the only problem is its only on Xbox 360 not on ps3.

  • JJpenguin

    Posted Jan 3, 2009 1:24 pm PT

    Bought it for the beta, loved it for the gameplay, as i'm sure many of you did. If they make a new crackdown however, we need a bit more story, a more believeable world, more than 2 co-op, and some interesting boss battles.

  • PoliceBox63

    Posted Jan 3, 2009 12:25 pm PT

    ah crackdown. an amazing game and the most easily irritating one when you can't do things, but still amazing **** 4 stars

  • sebby1222

    Posted Jan 1, 2009 3:57 pm PT

    They should do a system like in city of villians or something, where you create your super hero from a variety of parts and choose his type of power etc. - In my opinion that would be cool

    People didnt just buy the game for the Halo 3 beta - Its an awesome game and a new take on open-ended gameplay and i thought it was really good.

  • mufcbarlow1

    Posted Dec 31, 2008 7:03 am PT

    No it became a hit because of its addictive power up system, mesmerising graphics and city and fun co-op. But yes, people only realised this once they bought the game (for the beta)...

  • dpadam450

    Posted Dec 30, 2008 9:26 pm PT

    Crackdown became a hit for a variety of reasons, mainly that it had the Halo 3 beta.

  • LoqGor

    Posted Dec 30, 2008 3:33 pm PT

    I really want a sequel. Polished more than the first one please

  • KaiTenSatsuma

    Posted Dec 30, 2008 3:17 pm PT

    It would be interesting if they gave it more of a super-power aspect maybe, like skill trees for different abilities, or is that just too ridiculous? Honestly the game started to bore me towards the end of the Volk, the last guys just tired me out, and the final boss was a pushover if you didn't take the ground entrance. The twist when you beat all the gangs was pretty sinister though: I liked it.

    Overall: More story please,

  • viper007e

    Posted Dec 30, 2008 2:18 pm PT

    This sequel is going to flop hard. The only reason a majority of people bought the first one was to get the Halo 3 Beta. Barely anyone cares about this game enough to warrant a second one.

  • sammyseal2

    Posted Dec 29, 2008 9:11 pm PT

    Im estatic to hear of a new crackdown game, although i am a bit sceptic. Unless they have made a new city than its just going to look like an expensive expansion.

  • itwiz90

    Posted Dec 29, 2008 11:50 am PT

    I definitely have to get the sequel, Hot game.

  • LordChimera

    Posted Dec 28, 2008 3:14 pm PT

    Can't wait for the sequel!!! the first game was simple, pure, fun. It could have used some deeper elements and maybe some flying transport but other than that I loved the over-the-top action.

  • systemfan1188

    Posted Dec 28, 2008 1:28 pm PT

    Yeah first one was fun - nothing spectacular but it was cool. I'd definitly check out the 2nd one if they do one.

  • DarkLordPJ

    Posted Dec 28, 2008 1:17 pm PT

    it was an alright kinda game but the day after the halo 3 beta ended i went and traded it in to find there to be another 20 other second hand copies sitting on the shelf so a lot of people did just get it for halo 3 so the figures aren't really that good for how popular the game was, i did enjoy it alot but once completed and after i got all the orbs on the roofs it got abit dull.

  • BigDaddy973

    Posted Dec 28, 2008 11:12 am PT

    I was entertained by the first one, but it was nothing to special, only the Halo 3 beta. But is a second one necessary?

  • CrushedGroove

    Posted Dec 28, 2008 8:51 am PT

    Good news, my wife and I both loved the first one. Spend a little more time on story and mission diversity, and the sequel could be a breakout success.

  • hyperknight9

    Posted Dec 27, 2008 12:34 pm PT

    they better make a new one the last one was amazing, even after finishing the game I went and just jumped from building to building.

  • DeathByFrenchy

    Posted Dec 27, 2008 12:02 pm PT

    I've wanted to know if there was going to be a sequel forever!!! God i got addicted to this game it was awesome Just wish the map was bigger and there was even higher buildings !!!

  • joshua05

    Posted Dec 27, 2008 8:06 am PT

    I hope the Second one is as good as the first one. I hope they take there time on it.

  • Thorpe89 Site moderator

    Posted Dec 26, 2008 2:08 pm PT

    I sure hope to see a Crackdown sequel. I surprisingly enjoyed the first. Lots of great fun on co-op too!

  • zgreenwell

    Posted Dec 26, 2008 10:54 am PT

    I think I might try to find the original used. A lot of people speak well about it.

  • Idraft

    Posted Dec 26, 2008 10:54 am PT

    I never had the chance to play crackdown, thou i heard very good things about it

  • xXRorschachXx

    Posted Dec 26, 2008 7:29 am PT

    A new crackdown would be nice. I forgot how much fun i had with the first one. But if they do make it, i want them to make it right.

  • nappan

    Posted Dec 26, 2008 7:06 am PT

    Considering when it came out, Crackown was a decent game. That said, a sequel would have a looooong way to go now that GTAIV, Saint's Row 2 and FarCry2 have expanded on the genre for the new gen. Still... the first one had potential.

  • godzillavskong

    Posted Dec 25, 2008 6:16 pm PT

    The first crackdown was one of the most suprising games that I bought. At first I thought that It would be an OK game and I wasn't so sure about the cell-shaded graphics. But after hours upon hours of playing it, I was blown away. Its just a really fun game and I'm glad they are working on a part 2.

  • mattlom03

    Posted Dec 25, 2008 1:42 pm PT

    I really enjoyed the first Crackdown, it was alot of fun. Im really looking forward to a sequel.
    HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

  • jtthegame316

    Posted Dec 25, 2008 10:52 am PT

    bound to happen i think.

  • batmanboy11

    Posted Dec 25, 2008 10:22 am PT

    Finally there is SOMETHING regarding Crackdown 2! I knew this would happen eventually...

  • ubershank47

    Posted Dec 25, 2008 5:56 am PT

    Lots of enthusiasm here for Crackdown 2. They better get cracking on that sequel (pun intended) . I would definitely pick up the second copy! This game got me hooked the first time I "Leveled up" one of my skills while in the middle of a group of enemies, ah so satisfying. :-)

  • steven_bergen

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 10:12 pm PT

    Crackdown is one of my favorite games to play, it had mindless fun things to do, power ups were sweet my colectiong orbes or whatever the hell there called. i never even played the halo beta, not what i wanted to do, i bought it for crackdown not halo i waited for halo to come out and then i still didnt buy it.

  • SonicX_89

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 8:53 pm PT

    I bought Crackdown a few months ago and I really enjoyed it. A sequel would be great, and Microsoft should really push for it. It was a great game on its own strengths, regardless of the Halo 3 beta, and the fact it didn't strive to be another GTA. One thing I hope for in a possible sequel is a stronger story. Crackdown's story was OK, but it was too basic. A more fleshed out storyline would make Crackdown 2 even better than already would be.

  • Nexeus

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 3:41 pm PT

    id play crackdown 2, Id buy crackdown 2. I wanna play crackdown 2

  • KrzyJoe

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 12:30 pm PT

    never paid no mind to crackdown but after I read about this Its like i've discovered a new game

  • jimbob_1977 posted Dec 24, 2008 7:58 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    jimbob_1977

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 7:58 am PT (hide)

    who cares? happy holidays!!

  • MrPilgrim

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 7:32 am PT

    wow thats great and about time, crackdown was a really fun game, there has been no game to come close to replicating it, it was very unique in structure

  • Xbox360raper

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 5:28 am PT

    I dont want them to rush it the first one was awsome but the series has a chance to become a classic series.

  • PlasmaBeam44

    Posted Dec 24, 2008 12:29 am PT

    Crackdown was awesome. I can't wait to see what they do with a sequel.

  • xxstalker24xx

    Posted Dec 23, 2008 5:35 pm PT

    hehe Real Time Worlds are right next to my uni apartment, also they support my uni along with a job with them in my 2-3rd yr at uni, so cool to them if they make a second version

  • ctg867

    Posted Dec 23, 2008 1:51 pm PT

    Who ever the hell ends up developing it, Ruffian or Realtime Worlds, it's about damn time. If Microsoft would of got their **** together and got a sequel in development for release early next year their lineup 2009 lineup wouldn't look so low in the quantity department as it does so far, which is exactly what also happened this year.

    I was a HUGE fan of Crackdown, and I'm disappointed that I'm not gonna get a sequel sooner. Like Burnout Paradise, it was a game with a broken basis, no structure, and a lot of design issues, but unlike Burnout, the final product ended up being extremely fun. And this is coming from someone who early on wrote the game off as a Halo 3 beta pack in product when it was first announced. This was, of course, until I played the demo and saw how damn fun it was.

    So here's to hoping this game can be released at the latest in early 2010, and it ends up being great.

  • Carpe_Noctum

    Posted Dec 23, 2008 1:41 pm PT

    Crackdown was killer, I hope that a second is in the works. The DLC was really good too, it was great how you could kind of "share" your DLC with people online. Crackdown was FUN and FUN is what I am looking for in a game.

  • beakerbun

    Posted Dec 23, 2008 11:39 am PT

    People who liked Crackdown but disliked GTA4's control and insistence on frustrating but "realistic" game mechanics should play Saints Row 2.

    Saints Row 2 was more fun than GTA4 in my opinion. The constant gun-shop runs, health pack pickups, and ammo and health-depleting mission restarts drove me nuts! Everything about Saints 2 was fun, fun, fun! Can't say enough good stuff about it.

    If you liked Crackdown, play Saints 2!

  • SemiMaster

    Posted Dec 23, 2008 11:04 am PT

    Its too bad the cars and city were kind of generic and the core gameplay was good but the overall premise and missions were as repetetive as GTA 4. So much can be done with the sequel. Kicking a car into another dude and killing him is something that should not be wasted in a video game.

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