Square Enix Acquires True Crime: Hong Kong

Square Enix has just announced its acquisition of the True Crime: Hong Kong from Activision. The game, which was cancelled by Activision earlier this year, will be rebranded with a new IP.

"It's too early to say what the name will be," said Square Enix London's Lee Singleton with regards to the game's rebranding and overhaul. "I can honestly say I think this is going to be pretty straightforward."

Square Enix has not announced what platforms the game will be developed on, although True Crime: Hong Kong was set for a November release on the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The Vancouver-based United Front will be continuing development on the title from where they left off previously.

Activision had expressed their doubts about the potential success for the game in an investor call. "To be blunt, it just wasn't going to be good enough," said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing.

Square Enix clearly thinks otherwise.

"When we met the team at United Front Games, it was a done deal in our eyes—we instantly recognized the huge potential in the game and the team. UFG is an incredibly talented team, who have individually worked on some of the biggest games in our industry, and this talent shines through from the moment you walk in the door."

I'm inclined to agree with Square Enix. Hey, at least it's different from getting yet another Call of Duty game.

Thanks GamaSutra.