Because Everyone Else Is Doing It...

I've avoided posting this for a few hours now, but seeing that it's all the rage around the web, I figured I'd join the masses.

Here's the deal: Capcom removed Rockman DASH 3 from CoJ's front page. While the game's respective websites remain functional, the title is no longer showcased front and center. Mega Man Universe met a similar fate: the title was removed from Capcom Japan's website, and a few days later, it was officially cancelled. 

The fear that's currently setting the fandom ablaze is that this is a sign -- the supposed "first nail in the coffin" that will lead to DASH 3's cancellation. Normally, something so minor would not be a cause for concern, but the situation is all too familiar with Universe's death, and that's where fears are rooted.

Before you get overly panicked, consider the following: Look at Capcom Japan's front page, look at the titles on display.  These are games due for release within the confines of 2011 and early 2012. Rockman DASH 3's release date was never set in stone.  What has happened, I believe, is a rational release window for DASH 3 was established internally that's beyond the scope of the company's planned 2011/early 2012 lineup. As a consequence, Capcom was left very little reason to continue promoting the game on the front page.  Why upfront advertise a game that might not launch for a year at best?  There's more immediate titles coming out that deserve that spot. It's a matter of prioritizing based on release dates.

In short, you've got to be reasonable: given what we know about the game's development, there is no way DASH 3 will be on shelves by this fall or early 2012.  Capcom has nothing to gain (at this time) from promoting the title on the front page; its release is simply too far off.

There's more to be said that suggests everything is hunky-dory.  For instance, all websites associated under DASH 3, both in Japan and elsewhere, remain active and online.  There is no evidence to suggest the devrooms or official pages will cease operations any time soon, whereas everything Universe-related was pulled immediately.  What's more, unlike Universe, we've had consistent DASH 3 updates on a regular basis.  Universe was under an information blackout for over SIX months before it was cancelled.  It was BLATANT something was wrong.  DASH 3, however, has been shown to be alive via numerous events, contests, and postings from the game's staff. Sure, devroom posts pertaining to the actual game are growing few and far between, but I don't look at that as a bad thing.

Yes, Prototype was delayed, yes the game wasn't at E3.  Does that necessarily mean something horrible is happening?  Not at all.  Maybe this "silence" is due to the fact that the devteam is hard at work on finalizing Prototype Version for public release.  Recall, the game was delayed because they wanted to solidify the final product's quality.  For all we know, they're putting those finishing touches on right now. Reason for lack of real DASH 3 updates on the devroom?  They've got their hands full!  The devteam is seemingly relying on Kinako in the meantime to provide us with small, fun updates to keep fans both entertained and assured things are progressing.

That's my two cents. In any case, I've reached out to Capcom and a close source for comment.  We should, hopefully, have the official word soon. I realize this is a frustrating situation for some of you.  We've poured a lot into ensuring the game would be successful, let alone come to fruition.  To see it crumble before us would be utterly heartbreaking. Despite that, you can't give up ship just yet.

Our negativity contributed to Universe's cancellation; our positivity will ensure a future for DASH 3. YOU are a major factor to DASH 3's success. If you want this game to happen, you've got to continue to show a genuine interest in it. Support the game and the devroom through whatever means possible... and most importantly, stay positive!

Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.