SEGA releases prototype “Golden Axed”, former dev calls them “parasites”

Last week, we announced SEGA’s massive sale extravaganza, where they would give away free games, discounts, and mini games, all on Steam. Those mini games included a Yakuza beat ’em up in the same vein as Streets of Rage and Golden Axed, a prototype for a Golden Axe reboot called Golden Axe Reborn. Golden Axe Reborn was ultimately “axed”, hence the title.

Following this announcement, a former dev of the prototype, Tim Dawson, expressed his disdain for SEGA’s release, calling them “parasites”. He delved in to the nightmarish environment of developing the game, stating inept management and extremely long hours.

You can read his full statement here. It’s unfortunate Dawson had to deal with these working conditions and a lack of communication from his former bosses regarding the project. These types of working conditions are unfortunately quite common in multiple studios.

SEGA removed the description of the game off its Steam page, and issued an apology through Eurogamer, stating:

We certainly didn’t mean to dredge up painful memories for Mr. Dawson and his former colleagues or appear disrespectful,” Sega said. “We’ve removed the line from the Steam copy that could have been taken as a slur on the development and would like to reassure everyone that it was intended as a comment on the build we had ported to PC, not the quality of the original work.

SEGA

SEGA’s Steam sale runs through October 19th.