Virtua Hamster (SEGA 32X/Saturn) - Games That Weren't

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2021-06-10 17:00:04

As part of the launch and release of The Games That Weren’t book, we are adding assets and content that didn’t make it to print as bonus DLC content to share with you. Images are (c) David A. Palmer and used with permission. With thanks to Eric Quakenbush for the additional scans provided.

Within the book is an in-depth and detailed 16 page story about the unreleased Virtua Hamster by Peakstar/SEGA for the 32X and Saturn platforms. We overall speak to designer Eric Quakenbush, producer David A Palmer, lead developer Nick Kimberley, associate producer/artist Ben Palmer, artist Roddy McMillan and musician Paul Tankard – getting their recollections about the project.

The 32X edition was a mostly cut down version of Eric Quakenbush’s original game design, with a Saturn edition to be started afterwards which would more closely align with Eric’s original vision. The Saturn version was never to be started due to events with the 32X edition.

A few months from completion, SEGA decided to pull the plug due to financial issues at SEGA of America. David A Palmer was given complete ownership of the entire game design and code as part of a settlement.