It started as a new IP called Black Lotus. One year into development, Activision said This is kinda like True Crime. We need a good True Crime game, turn it into a True Crime game. The game got delayed and the cost raised, so Activision decided to cancel it when it was 98% done. Time moved on, and Square got the right to publish the game. They didnt have the rights to the True Crime IP, so they turned it into a new IP, Sleeping Dogs.