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Free Radical: Writing in games is unimportant, we check Lost Planet sales data
Not to take a jab at our Xbox 360-loving brethren, but if we are going to point to any game, in recent memory, that sold well and had an absolutely, amazingly-horrible script, it would be that game. Seriously, we know that Capcom isn't the best when it comes to crafting game stories or dialogue (Jill, here's a lockpick. It might be handy if you, the master of unlocking, take it with you.), but that game's story and dialogue was just absurd. Still though, Free Radical co-founder Karl Hilton thinks the Wii, not the Xbox 360, is the system that will encourage more games that don't need good writing in the market.Hilton says "The success of the Wii has showed how unimportant writing is to a huge chunk of the games market – and that market sector is growing." Of course, taken out of context, the quote can be horribly mistaken for meaning something else, but we're sure Hilton meant to say the success of the Wii console has opened the door for games that focus more on gameplay than, say, delivering a large, epic story to the market to be more successful.So, how do you interpret Hilton's statement?[via Joystiq]
Star Wars Battlefront III60 exclusive?
According to GamesRadar, the March issue of UK Magazine Playstation World spilled some beans on Star Wars: Battlefront III. On page 65, they state that LucasArts is moving the series from Pandemic, who developed the first two in the series, to Free Radical, of TimeSplitters and GoldenEye fame. They go on to say that SWBIII is listed as an Xbox 360 exclusive, but don't think it will stick. Still, Free Radical has a history of making some badass multiplayer games, and hopefully it will translate well in Star Wars: Battlefront III's online skirmishes. Are you looking forward to the new gen iteration of the series? What are your thoughts on the potential exclusivity and Free Radical taking the helm?Oh, and in case you hadn't noticed, that box art is fan made, and not official.[Via GameStooge]
Not-so-secret projects probed
FiringSquad has done its best to out 18 high-profile "black ops" projects currently in development. While the site's sleuthing skills might not be up to par with Mr. Holmes', the report does a good job of rounding up under-the-radar titles that are begging for some attention.We'd like to direct the spotlight on two studios in particular: Tim Schafer's DoubleFine and Bungie expats Wideload, which are responsible for Psychonauts and Stubbs the Zombie, respectively (both titles landed in our top 10 'gems' of last generation). The two developers are hard at work on new projects; and with DoubleFine striking a publishing deal with Vivendi, its next game is sure to stir up more buzz (when it's time) than Majesco managed to generate for Psychonauts. Also, we can't wait to see what Warren Spector and Junction Point have under lock and key. Keep those ears (and eyes) glued to the street!
