Update 2: A GameStop representative has sent along the company's explanation of why those who pre-ordered The Last Guardian received a bogus call saying the game had been canceled.

The statement reads: "The Last Guardian has not been canceled 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."

So, it's as we originally speculated. Thankfully. We just hope that in the future, fans of other often-delayed or not-soon-releasing titles don't receive the same heart attack-inducing phone call regarding their much-awaited game.

Update: According to Sony Computer Entertainment's Alex Armour, GameStop doesn't know what it's talking about. His words couldn't be more specific about The Last Guardian cancelation: "That's not true. It's not canceled," he says. The reasons for the GameStop de-listing remain vague. We'll follow up if we hear anything.  

Original Story: It was bad enough when news broke that creator Fumito Ueda was leaving The Last Guardian studio Team Ico, but has the game been canceled altogether?

Game Informer associate editor Kyle Hilliard received an automated message from retailer GameStop, where he had placed a pre-order for the PlayStation 3 title. It told him that his pre-order of the game had been canceled because "the vendor has canceled production of the game..." Here is a transcript of the entire message he received:

"Hello, this is GameStop calling with important news regarding your reservation. We've been notified by the vendor that The Last Guardian has been canceled. To reserve a different title or have your reservation money refunded, please go to your local store.

"To repeat, we've been notified that the vendor has canceled production of the game The Last Guardian. If you have any questions please call your local store. Thank you. Goodbye."

Although it's possible that the retailer is simply taking the game off its books for the time being until a more firm release date is announced, it could also be a sign that the game is simply gone.

Game Informer is contacting publisher Sony to receive more info on this story, and we'll update you whenever we have more news.

[Note: Game Informer is owned by GameStop]