Mayhem (video game)

Mayhem is a cancelled action role-playing video game developed by Zed Two, a studio founded by Ste Pickford, and initially slated to be published by Core Design. The project was announced in 1996 and previewed in several gaming magazines, generating significant anticipation due to its innovative design, incorporating elements of open-world exploration, character customization, and strategic combat.

The game was set in a dystopian future where powerful corporations vied for control, and players assumed the role of a customizable mercenary navigating this dangerous landscape. Key features highlighted in pre-release materials included a robust character creation system allowing for extensive specialization, a dynamic and reactive world shaped by player choices, and a unique combat system emphasizing tactical maneuvers and environmental interaction.

Despite promising previews and early gameplay demonstrations, development of Mayhem encountered numerous obstacles. Core Design, undergoing internal restructuring and shifting priorities, eventually dropped the project. Zed Two sought alternative publishers, but ultimately failed to secure a deal, leading to the game's cancellation.

While Mayhem never saw release, its pre-release coverage and innovative design concepts have garnered it a cult following among video game enthusiasts interested in lost and unreleased games. Archival materials, including design documents and early gameplay footage, continue to circulate online, providing a glimpse into what could have been. The project remains a notable example of ambitious game development that ultimately fell victim to industry pressures and shifting market trends.