What's Happening?
A prototype of Sega Technical Institute's cancelled Mega Drive game, Dark Empires, has been released online by the video game preservation website Hidden Palace. The game, which was developed in the early 1990s, features a dragon-based real-time strategy
concept. Despite its cancellation, elements of Dark Empires were later incorporated into other projects by artist Craig Stitt, including the initial pitch for Spyro the Dragon. The release of the prototype offers a glimpse into Sega's early development efforts and the creative process behind its projects.
Why It's Important?
The release of Dark Empires provides valuable insights into the history of video game development and the creative processes at Sega Technical Institute. It highlights the importance of preserving and sharing cancelled or unreleased projects, which can offer inspiration and lessons for current and future game developers. Additionally, the release contributes to the broader understanding of Sega's legacy and its influence on the gaming industry. The connection between Dark Empires and later successful projects like Spyro the Dragon underscores the iterative nature of game development and the potential for ideas to evolve over time.
