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Take-Two signs with XLGames to make existing property into an MMO
How would a Grand Theft Auto MMO grab you? Would you play a Red Dead Redemption or LA Noire massively multiplayer title? While the possibility of said games still falls into the rumor category at this point, we can confirm that Take-Two Interactive has entered into a partnership with XL Games to make one of the former's existing properties into an MMO. XL has been in the news recently due to its upcoming ArcheAge sandpark, and the company founded by noted Lineage developer Jake Song will work on the new title with Take-Two subsidiary 2K Games. Kotaku first reported the rumor to the English-speaking world earlier this morning, while the source is Korean website 4gamer. A press release has also been issued by 2K; CEO Christoph Hartmann hints at the company's desire to broaden its horizons. "Our partnership with XL Games underscores our ongoing commitment to expanding 2K's presence in online gaming and the Asian market," Hartmann explains. XL's Song says that work on the new title is ongoing. "We have already been working together for a year on the game, and I can tell you this is one of the most exciting projects that I've ever undertaken," he said.
Get some Duke Nukem Forever on May 3, 2011 [update]
It will have taken over a decade to get here, but we can finally, definitively tell you that Duke Nukem Forever may really, actually launch on May 3 in North America, followed by its worldwide release on May 6. Game Informer exclusively revealed the launch date alongside cheeky remarks from Gearbox Software prez Randy Pitchford, who humbly characterized his company's experience with the project as "inconceivable, incorrigible and inspiring." 2K Games head Christoph Hartmann was equally excited, exclaiming, "The moment fans all over the world have been waiting for is almost here ... His return is going to be epic and one that will make video gaming history!" And we tend to agree -- DNF will be that rare game that's impressive simply for being released. Heck, we haven't felt that way about a game since Gran Turismo 5. Update: Catch the new trailer after the break. Update 2: Whoops! Looks like Gearbox spoke too soon and the Duke won't be arriving on May 3 after all.
2K's Hartmann predicts shift to server-based gaming in 'the future'
2K Games Global President Christoph Hartmann believes server-based games are, like, the future. Not really the most surprising revelation from the exec, considering 2K Games is helping mix pitchers of OnLive Kool-Aid by placing its games on the mystical device. Hartmann expresses to GI.biz that in the future, "the market will shift to more server-based games - similar to the movie business where most people just rent instead of view films in the cinema." 2K plans to release Major League Baseball and the BioShock franchises on the service.Hartmann believes the OnLive technology will meet expectations, noting that the service will have more competition soon. It'll be interesting to see if OnLive (or some other similar service) proves the doubters wrong. Hartmann's right, though -- server-based gaming is the future, but just how far ahead do we have to go for it to be the present?
2K exec unhappy with flood of 'crappy' casual Wii titles
2K Games Global President Christoph Hartmann is back with another warning. Speaking with MCV, he expressed his belief that publishers bringing non-licensed casual games to Wii this year could struggle because the console is flooded by "crappy titles." Hartmann's example has publishers releasing ten games in the hopes that two hits will pay for the other eight. All this does, he said, is flood the market and confuse consumers.According to the executive, if 2K's hit casual title Carnival Games were released today it would struggle to find an audience. Despite the Wii selling incredibly well, new casual brands seem to be lost in the flood of shovelware, with retailers already having little shelf space to spare.
BioShock has 'potential' for numerous sequels, suggests 2K boss
2K Global President Christoph Hartmann says BioShock could have plenty of sequels, but he promises the company won't "cash in" on the franchise. Speaking with MCV, Hartmann states that with the "right twist of innovation," the series has the potential to span, oh, six parts ... "as Star Wars did." (BioShock 6: Revenge of the Lil' Sithsters, anyone?)Although Ken Levine might be giggling all the way to the bank with sequel royalties, we'd like to see how BioShock 2: Sea of Dreams turns out before we get excited about a six-part aquatic epic. Also, wasn't Star Wars just a trilogy? Please, join us in our denial.
