Just turn around and don't look back, Mega Man

Mega Man Legends 3 has easily become one of the more interesting projects in development for the 3DS, with its influence on fan input in the form of an interactive online devroom, votes to decide character designs and more and an announced Prototype Version, once planned to launch alongside the eShop, which would showcase the game in a beta stage. That's why it's so disappointing that it's no longer coming.

Capcom has just announced that development has ceased, nor will the prototype version see release. The decision stems from the project's failing to meet certain criteria that the publisher has not made public, though it has stated that it is unrelated to series creator Keiji Inafune's departure.

A Q&A from the devroom reveals that there is no chance that the ideas generated there will see use in future games and that there are no plans to recreate the same level of fan interactivity. Those who authored ideas that were to see use in Legends 3 will receive a commemorative gift as consolation.

Capcom staff member GregaMan posted the following on the developer blog:

We'd like to thank you for your ongoing loyal support of Mega Man Legends 3. Today, however, we must regrettably announce the discontinuation of this project.

From the outset the MML3 Project was intended to give gamers across the world insight and input into the development process. Part of this process includes an assessment of whether the title will go into full production, and is based on a number of criteria with input from different sectors of the company.

Unfortunately it was not felt that the Mega Man Legends 3 Project met the required criteria, and it is with regret that we must announce that the Mega Man Legends 3 Project has been cancelled, meaning that Capcom will not be releasing the Prototype or the full game. Additionally, updates of the Mega Man Legends Developer Room will cease as of today, though the North American Developer Room and its forums will remain open indefinitely.

We can only express our deepest apologies to all of you who have lent us your unending support, including participation in the Mega Man Legends 3 Developer Room. On behalf of the entire Legends team, please accept our sincere apology for failing to meet the expectations of the fans.

We thank you all so much for your extended support of this title and this community, and we hope that you will continue to support the Mega Man franchise as well as other Capcom games.

[source capcom-unity.com]