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EA Chicago exes take up with Activision, form Robomodo!
A handful of folks left jobless in the wake of EA Chicago's closure last November have banded together to form their own independent development studio, Robomodo. The company was actually -- and quiet stealthily we might add -- formed in January 2008 by a number of EA Chicago vets, including Robomodo president and director Josh Tsui, who revealed to GameDaily that the fledgling studio has already been tapped by Actiblizzard to create a new title based on one of the publisher's IP. As for what exactly Tsui and company are up to, the team isn't talking specifics, saying only that it is a "high-profile extreme sports title," familiar territory for developers who worked on such franchises as Fight Night, Mortal Kombat and Def Jam. Given the group's experience with these sorts of titles, coupled with Tsui's admission in a separate Gamasutra interview that a "good chunk" of those working on the project also helped create Fight Night Round 3 for EA, we wouldn't be at all surprised if Robomodo's plans include trying to go toe-to-toe with their former employers in the ring. Stay tuned tomorrow for an interview with Robomodo's Tsui and Michicich.
EA Marvel fighting game no longer in development, partnership dissolved
Bad news for true believers (or maybe good news): EA and Marvel have dissolved their game development partnership, discontinuing development on EA Chicago's Marvel fighting game, as well as confirming that no further Marvel titles will be developed under Electronic Arts.The partnership was first entered back in early 2004, and resulted in 2005's critically-derided Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects. The EA Chicago-developed fighter would have been only the second title developed in the Marvel/EA partnership. GameTap speculates that the deal may have fallen through after the recent resignation of EA Chicago studio head Kudo Tsunoda. Despite the setback, Marvel still plans on pursuing further video game projects in the future (good news for true believers? Or maybe bad news).
Former EA Chicago studio head heads to Xbox division
The Electronic Arts and Microsoft executive shuffle isn't over. Former EA Chicago studio head Kudo Tsunoda is the latest to move from the venerable game maker to Microsoft's Xbox division, according to GameTap. Tsunoda joins Xbox division head Don Mattrick and VP of Live John Schappert as recent EA expatriates. In July 2007, Mattrick swapped companies with Peter Moore, taking his job when Moore became head of EA Sports.EA shut down the Chicago studio in November last year. Tsunoda's position will be General Manager and will report to Mattrick. Sources tell GameTap that his first task will be project lead for "an upcoming Gears of War title." There's another Gears of War game? We're shocked. Shocked!
Infinity Ward reaches out to EA Chicago devs
After publishing giant EA shut down its EA Chicago studio amidst profitability concerns, many employees found themselves burdened with the unenviable task of seeking employment elsewhere. 1UP points out that Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare developer Infinity Ward may just suffice as a potential "elsewhere." Over the weekend, a helping hand was extended through the World War Now shooter's "Message of the Day" screen: "EA Chicago: Infinity Ward is hiring. jobs@infinityward.com."
EA shutting down Chicago studio
Well, so much for "routine" restructuring. Gamespot reports that monolithic publisher EA has decided to close down its EA Chicago studio. Over 150 employees are affected by the decision, as are future Def Jam games (oh noes!) and a second attempt at a Marvel fighting game. Citing an internal memo from EA Games president Frank Gibeau, the article notes that EA is looking to offer many EA Chicago employees opportunities at its other studios, as well as outplacement assistance."We're willing to take risks, make long-term investments, and to support teams and individuals between launches," reads Gibeau's alleged memo. "But each team is responsible for staying on a reasonable path to profitability. Sticking to that strategy is what gives us the financial resources and flexibility to take risks on new projects. Unfortunately, EA Chicago hasn't been able to meet that standard." If left unchecked, EA Chicago was not expected to become profitable until FY 2011 "or later."
Worldwide PS3 releases for the week of June 18th
It's that time again. Time to look over the coming week's offerings and either laugh or cry. Or both. The releases for this week are as follows. US Games No new releases EU Games Armoured Core 4 Asian Games FolksSoul Def Jam Icon Interesting stuff. The Japanese have had two potentially excellent games released in the last two weeks. While we know that Ninja Gaiden Sigma includes English text and voices, we're not yet certain about FolksSoul. We have our suspicions and will keep you informed as soon as we find out. Don't forget, your PS3 just loves playing games from any country. Seriously. Loves it. So if there's something on the list you fancy, then don't be put off by its region. Release dates are in a constant flux, so be sure to call ahead before wasting a trip to the shops.
Scratch it up with a signed copy of ICON
Admittedly, Def Jam: ICON isn't for everybody. It takes what was a wrestling game and turns it into a bizarre kind of fighting game. We had mixed feelings for the game when the demo released earlier this year. Still, we'd be hard-pressed to turn down any game that's free. We'd be even more hard-pressed to turn down a free game that has also been signed by the entire development team. If you like free stuff as much as we do, then why not head over to Unscripted 360, where 5 signed copies of ICON are being given away. Not only that, but the grand prize winner gets a signed ICON poster as well. What do you have to do to win? Lay down some fresh hotness in the form of hip-hop lyrics, of course! If you think you can spit with the best of 'em, visit Unscripted 360 for your chance to win. [Thanks, Channing Lee]
Def Jam Icon demo heads to the PlayStation Store
On Thursday (tomorrow), Sony will be updating the PlayStation Store with a new playable demo that (shock!) isn't a racing game: Def Jam Icon. EA's music-inspired fighter hasn't earned the greatest critical praise, but at a price of "free," it'll probably be worthwhile to check out the demo. Also available on the store will be videos of the already-released Resistance: one trailer and three behind-the-scenes features that cover gameplay, concept art and level design. [Via 1UP]
Def Jam: Icon tournaments at Gamestop
Gamestop is partnering with EA to host a few Def Jam: Icon tournaments around the US before the game is released. The tournaments will be hosted at various Gamestop and EB Games stores at different dates in four cities. The tournaments will kick off in Atlanta tomorrow and will start in the coming weeks in Chicago, Los Angles and New York. Also, at random stores, there will be a rap artist stopping by to partake in the activities and show you how a real rapper throws down. So far only Fat Joe has been confirmed at the Union City SWM Gamestop store in Atlanta, but more artists will be announced when the other tournaments near. And if you attend any tournament in Atlanta please post your impressions of not only the tournament, but how much you enjoyed your time with Def Jam: Icon. Head over to Gamestop's official page for dates, locations and more information ... yah dig? [Via Gamertag Radio]
Def Jam: Icon: we're speechless
We have no idea what to think about Def Jam: Icon. On one hand, it has some interesting, new dynamics for a fighting game. On the other, it doesn't seem to come together as solidly as a good fighting game should. The graphics are nice and the sound is bangin', but something is missing. Read on for our impressions of the demo.
Def jam demo hits the streets
The announced Def Jam: Icon demo is now available on Xbox Live Marketplace for Gold members. The Xbox 360 has been woefully short of fighting games so far, other than Dead or Alive 4 and a few Xbox Live Arcade offerings. Will Def Jam: Icon bring us new hope, or will we be stuck waiting for Virtua Fighter 5? You'll just have to download it and see. Expect some impressions of the demo later today.
It's a beat down, new Def Jam: Icon gameplay videos
In a few hours the Def Jam: Icon demo will be available on the XBLM and for those of you who just can't wait Gamertag Radio posted a few new gameplay videos. Yes, we know we already posted a Def Jam: Icon video before, but these are fresh sucka! There is a total of four new gameplay videos and they aren't done by amateurs like the previous one. And after watching the videos we must say that the game is quite pretty and the music themed fighting is a unique idea that will be interesting to see how it'll pan out. Anyway, hurry up, watch these videos, then in a few hours download the demo ... that's what we in the know call instant street cred.
Def Jam: Icon demo thugs it out tomorrow
After the promised Def Jam: Icon demo went MIA last Thursday, EA has announced that it will arrive tomorrow instead. The demo will feature two playable characters, T.I. and Big Boi, along with the songs "Kryptonite" and "Top Back." Players will be fighting it out in a gas station. Def Jam: Icon will introduce a new dynamic to the series, as music will now play a central role in the fighting. Skilled players will be able to use the beats of the music and the environment to their advantage. The videos we've seen so far have left us less than impressed, but we'd love to be proven wrong. Anyone looking forward to downloading this tomorrow?
Become an Icon, Def Jam demo Thursday
We really want to like Def Jam: Icon. The concept is interesting enough: put your favorite hip hop stars in brutal fist fights, all while integrating the music into the mix. The idea is to make the music central to the fight. If you're doing well, then your anthem will play, potentially giving you an opportunity to deal extra environmental damage. It's sounds neat on paper, but videos of the game in action have left us (and others) skeptical. It looks like we'll finally know for sure this week, as a demo is expected to drop on Thursday. We hope Icon turns out to be decent, because the 360 needs another fighter, and Virtua Fighter 5 is at least 5 months away. Keep your fingers crossed.
New Def Jam Icon trailer is misleading
There is a new trailer out for Def Jam Icon, the upcoming hip hop fighting game from EA. Given the game's ... eccentric premise, the trailer is drop dead serious. In fact, we'd wager that more than a few people will be expecting a completely different game after watching it. The game, for those that don't know, is a fighting game with a heavy emphasis on music. The background changes and interacts with the beats of the music. In fact, you choose your characters music track before each match. If you're winning, then your track will play. This can be advantageous for the player that utilizes environmental hazards at the right time (check out Joystiq's impressions for more info). It's an interesting idea, and hopefully one that translates into a fun game. The trailer, however, shows off something more like a gang drama. In fact, there isn't even a hint in the trailer that Def Jam Icon is a fighting game, and an unrealistic one at that. It's a nice trailer and everything, but it's a little misleading. As a service to prospective players, we've embedded both the new trailer and some footage from the game after the break (second video NSFW).
Joystiq impressions: Def Jam Icon
I recently sampled Def Jam Icon in its close-to-finished state; the game will ship for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in March. The title takes a genre in which I have little personal interest -- hip-hop stars like Ludacris, Big Boi, and The Game fighting -- and focuses on the best part of that premise, the music. Each player begins a match after choosing a song for their character. As the fight progresses, the music becomes an integral part of the game, with the leading character's anthem blaring and the background objects bumping with the rhythm. With the right timing to the music, the background objects even cause extra injury. I saw a lot of potential to this approach, but Def Jam Icon is high on my skeptic sense of hit-or-miss; if the game behaves the way EA describes, it should be a fun fighter. But in my short time seeing the game, I wasn't convinced that the downbeats would match the beat-downs as EA touts, especially with user-imported music. I'll have to wait until I'm able to scrutinize the game on my own to make a fair assessment.
Def Jam isn't alone, new fighter from EA
1UP is reporting that EA Chicago, in addition to Def Jam: Icon and the next Fight Night, is working on another fighter. The announcement from EA declares that they are working on "a licensed title and a new intellectual property in the fighting videogame genre." We have no idea what the licensed title could be, but 1UP suggests that the new IP might be the rock and roll version of Def Jam, allowing players to pit the likes of David Bowie and Gene Simmons against each other. While the idea is interesting, we'd rather see EA create an entirely new fighter so they can spend time tuning the gameplay instead of the concept. How about the rest of you? Would you like to see Green Day face off with Metallica, or would you rather have something new?
Def Jam: Icon gameplay video
There's a new video of Def Jam: Icon on GameVideos. 1UP has a lengthy preview as well. The biggest "feature" of Icon is how heavily the music interacts with the game. Buildings jump in rhythm to the music, explosions occur in time with the beats, even the fighting seems to be choreographed to the music. The concept sounds interesting on paper, but this video is anything but interesting. On the contrary, it's kind of boring. Now, gameplay videos of fighting games can be hard to judge, especially when the players are inexperienced, and it's obvious that these two don't know how to play the game -- in fact, if you listen to the video, you could guess that these guys are just waiting for their Grey Goose and cranberry to show up. Still, the graphics are alright and the concept is new. Hopefully, we'll see some better videos -- or better yet, a demo -- before the game releases in March. Watch the video after the break.
Def Jam: Icon to rap and brawl its way onto the PS3
Are you a fan of the rap/hip-hop movement? Do you like fighting? How about games about one, or both? ...Play the other iterations of Def Jam? How about another question? Anyway, seems the PS3 will be receiving the next Def Jam (not "deaf", because spelling things inkorrectlee is kewl) and it's promising to be awesome to your ears and your fingers. Needless to say, you can expect some of the big names of the field to pop in (Ludacris, Big Boi, T.I...) The game is slated for a March 2007 release (how convenient, just in time for Europe's launch...) for both the PS3 and XBox 360.The game is developed by EA Chicago (the brains behind Fight Night Round 3) and are intent on using the environments and music as vital points during matches. How this exactly works is still up in the air, but we've a quote from executive producer Kudo Tsunoda: "we are changing the way fighting games are played! We are completely innovating the role of the environments in the games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas the hip-hop celebrities are fighting in to environments that play an instrumental part in the fight where they will react to the music and interact with both characters like a third fighter." Like a third fighter? Maybe like the Songstress class in FFX-2? Mostly buff your fighter and hinder the opponent? Or, you know, it could be this. Keep your eyes and ears open for any new developments on this title!
Def Jam pimped out for next gen, 1st images
EA has officially announced the imminent arrival of Def Jam: Icon. A continuation of the popular (?) fighting series, Icon looks to bring in both da noise and da funk. -- and hip hop stars beating the crap out of each other. Filled with celebrities like T.I., Big Boi, and Ludacris, hip hop fans will certainly be pleased. Hopefully Andre 3000 is in there with plenty of selectable costumes, too. Some of the PR drivel is a little hard to swallow though: "In DEF JAM: ICON, we are changing the way fighting games are played! We are completely innovating the role of the environments in the games, moving from the typical lifeless arenas the hip-hop celebrities are fighting in to environments that play an instrumental part in the fight where they will react to the music and interact with both characters like a third fighter." Interactive environments? Welcome to every 3D fighter since the Dreamcast, EA. Check out Xboxyde for more pictures. Full press release after the break.
