Timeline
From Sega Retro
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This unreleased Dreamcast video game might not have existed.
More evidence is needed to prove this project was worked on, and is not just a myth or misconception. |
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| Timeline |
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| System(s): Sega Dreamcast |
| Publisher: Eidos Interactive |
| Developer: Timeline Computer Entertainment |
| Supporting companies: Timeline Computer Entertainment (production) |
| Original system(s): Windows PC |
| Genre: Adventure |
| Number of players: 1 |
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Timeline is an unreleased game for the Sega Dreamcast. A rumored port of Michael Crichton's computer adventure game of the same name, a Sega version was reportedly in development by a spinoff of Virtus Corporation - the Crichton-managed Timeline Computer Entertainment (also known as Timeline Studios) - with supposed plans to have Eidos Interactive publish the final game.
The only known mention of a Dreamcast release come from two issues of the Russian language magazine Strana Igr, where it was reportedly played and reviewed by the magazine staff.[1][2] Outside this, however, no primary sources exist for the game's Sega iteration. Ultimately, Timeline Computer Entertainment folded in 2000 following the release of their one and only game, and the game remained a Windows exclusive.
History
Famed American-Australian artist Ron Cobb worked on the released Windows PC version, where he produced multiple pieces of 3D concept art for the project as one of his final contributions to the video game industry. Although listed on his online portfolio, he does not specify whether said concept art was intended for a possibly Dreamcast release; however, the artwork is dated 1998, which would have been exceedingly early for a small Western studio to have access to Dreamcast development hardware, and such is unlikely.[3]
Legacy
- Main article: Untitled Michael Crichton game.
Timeline Computer Entertainment would close in 2000. Two years later, Virtus executive and Red Storm Entertainment co-founder Mark Baric was interviewed by Raleigh, North Carolina's WRAL TechWire, where he announced a new partnership with Sega, Michael Crichton, and former Rocket Science Games screenwriter Michael Backes, intending to create an untitled new game which could be a launching point for an entirely new IP. According to Baric, the agreement had largely been finalized, with the involvement of attorneys and the signing of official contracts. He stated Sega would handle development and publishing, and expected them to spend around $10 million dollars on the project. Additionally, he expected this to result in a tie-in Crichton book and feature film, which would all be release as concurrently as possible, and that this would be the "first property" in a line of new franchises produced by the author. Ultimately, nothing appears to have come of these plans.[4]
Magazine articles
- Main article: Timeline/Magazine articles.
References
- ↑ Strana Igr, "Avgust 2000 1/2" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 14
- ↑ Strana Igr, "Dekabr 2000 1/2" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 58
- ↑ https://www.roncobb.net/film.html (Wayback Machine: 2025-01-11 15:45)
- ↑ https://wraltechwire.com/2002/10/21/mark-barics-timeline-continues-on-with-new-gaming-deals/ (Wayback Machine: 2024-03-03 11:43)