SNIPER ELITE BATTLE ROYALE CANCELED: TENCENT TAKES THEIR BALL AND GOES HOME

So, you know how everyone was asking for a Sniper Elite battle royale? No? Well, neither was anyone else, and now we'll never have to find out if it would've worked. (Via InsideGamer)

DEAD ON ARRIVAL

Rebellion's Project Archipelago (aka Sniper Island, because apparently one questionable name wasn't enough) has been canceled faster than you can say "another battle royale game." The multiplayer shooter, which was meant to have teams of three snipers duking it out for survival, barely made it past its Alpha testing in August before getting the axe.

SHOW ME THE MONEY (OR DON'T)

Turns out Tencent, who was bankrolling this adventure in missing the point of Sniper Elite, decided to pull funding faster than a camper spotting an incoming grenade. Word is they got spooked after Concord's launch went about as well as using a sniper rifle for close combat. Can't blame them – nothing says "maybe we should reconsider" quite like watching another multiplayer shooter face-plant at launch.

FANS AREN'T CRYING

The most surprising thing about this cancellation? The complete lack of surprise from literally anyone. The announcement video had about as warm a reception as a vegetarian at a bratwurst festival, with fans wondering why Rebellion thought adding "battle royale" to Sniper Elite was the missing ingredient in their success formula.

SILVER LINING

At least no one lost their job over this misadventure – all staff have been moved to other projects, including Sniper Elite: Resistance. You know, an actual Sniper Elite game that people might want to play.

When reached for comment, Rebellion chose to maintain radio silence. Probably the smartest tactical decision they've made in this whole affair.