Unveiling Activision's Discarded Iron Man Game
Former Genepool Software developer Kevin Edwards recently unveiled previously unseen images of a cancelled 2003 Iron Man game on Twitter (now X). This article explores the game's development and its eventual cancellation.
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Kevin Edwards, a former Genepool Software developer, shared unseen images and footage on X, revealing a cancelled Iron Man game slated for a 2003 release. The game's working title, "The Invincible Iron Man," paid homage to the character's comic book origins. Edwards worked on the project following the release of the studio's successful X-Men 2: Wolverine’s Revenge.
Edwards's post included the game's title card, Genepool Software's logo, gameplay screenshots, and original Xbox gameplay footage showcasing the startup screen and a desert-based tutorial segment.
Activision's Decision to Cancel "The Invincible Iron Man"
Despite positive fan reaction to Edwards's reveal, Activision cancelled "The Invincible Iron Man" shortly after development began. Genepool Software subsequently closed, leaving the team unemployed.
While Activision never publicly explained the cancellation, Edwards suggested several possibilities in response to online comments: delays in the Iron Man film, dissatisfaction with the game's quality, or the possibility of another developer taking over the project.
Commenters also noted Tony Stark's design, which differed significantly from the later MCU portrayal by Robert Downey Jr. The game's design more closely resembled the "Ultimate Marvel" comic book version of the early 2000s. Edwards stated that the design choice was the decision of the game's designer. He promised more gameplay footage, though this has yet to materialize.
