[Update] Shacker SlamDunk spotted an update on IGN where GameStop has appeared to have changed their tune on The Last Guardian, saying: "The Last Guardian has not been cancelled by Sony as we incorrectly stated in an automated call to reservation customers. Because the game did not have a specific release date, GameStop made the decision to remove the game from our system. The Last Guardian will be reinstated for pre-order when a firm launch date is known."

[Original Story] If you pre-ordered GameStop, be prepared to get a shocking call. "We've been notified by the vendor that The Last Guardian has been canceled," the pre-recorded message says. "To reserve a different title, or to have your reservation money refunded, please go to your local store."

The game is no longer available on GameStop's website. Coupled with reports of key departures from the development team behind the troubled, long-delayed PS3 exclusive, could this be true?

SCEA's Patrick Seybold told Joystiq that reports of the game's cancellation are "not true." However, listening to the recording certainly makes us doubt the statement.

When rumors of game designer Fumito Uedo's departure from Sony emerged, Sony commented that "Ueda-san is in fact under contract, and is committed to completing his work on The Last Guardian."

While little has been seen of The Last Guardian over the years, it was heavily promoted in the recently-released Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection. Hopefully, this has been a simple mistake on GameStop's part.

[Update] Shuhei Yoshida, President of Worldwide Studios at Sony Computer Entertainment, denies the report, via his Twitter account. In response to gamers asking for insight, he has said GameStop's claim is "false."