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Lucasfilm combines animation, movie and game assets
To say that the Lucasfilm group has a finger in every pie completely fails to capture how entrenched they are in several key areas in the entertainment industry. Revising the expression to include a ravenous ball of thumbs rolling through a quaint bakery might be more effective, if somewhat indicative of a strange and broken imagination. With film, game, animation and special effects divisions (amongst others) to keep track of, George Lucas and friends have decided to implement a single, software-driven database to manage all of their digital assets, essentially linking together the imaginations of the 2,000 or so people currently employed across the world. Lori Gianino, director of information systems at Lucasfilm, completely fails to make any of this sound even vaguely interesting by saying it lets them "eliminate data entry by pulling information from other systems."What she really should be saying is something along the lines of, "This universal database will give those working on our next-gen games a considerable advantage, as they'll have direct access to all the assets from our various productions. That's really awesome and stuff." Once the system is fully implemented, it is expected to house just about every piece of every puzzle, including live-action frames, motion capture data and even in-progress special effects shots. The forthcoming Indiana Jones game, for instance, can only hope to gain from an increased synergy with those involved with the fourth movie in the action archeology series. Even original titles that aim to be cinematic in nature can look to benefit from sharing assets with Lucasfilm's stable of, err, films.The unified data management system also provides scheduling and reporting tools which could certainly prove to be useful in an industry where game release dates often get pushed back and development costs get pushed higher and higher. Better management of time and budget will become all the more important in the next-generation of gaming, perhaps even skipping right past "important" and going straight to "essential." Large companies like EA and Microsoft are sure to have investigated or already implemented similar sharing strategies amongst their many developers.
LucasArts partners with MechAssault team
LucasArts has formed an unholy alliance with Day 1 Studios, creators of original Xbox Live mega-hit, MechAssault. The two studios, with their powers combined, seek to create an original IP exclusively for next gen consoles. From the horse's mouth (i.e LucasArts' Peter Hirschmann),"LucasArts is determined to deliver outstanding new ideas to next-generation consoles, and our partnership with the great people at Day 1 Studios creates another opportunity for us to bring innovation and creativity to the market. The phenomenal technology created by Day 1 directly affects gameplay in extremely innovative ways- and it perfectly complements the engaging story and intriguing characters you'd expect of a LucasArts title."Mechs wielding lightsabers? Count us in.
Wii: All your adventure game are belong to me
You know, games like Sam and Max, King's Quest, and Myst. Those are games that hold a very special place in many a gamer heart and the linked piece over at About looks to Microsoft's Xbox Live and Nintendo's Virtual Console service as the avenue with which fresh, exciting adventure titles may make their way into living rooms (or other gaming areas if you wish to nit-pick) once again. We love adventure games, don't get us wrong, but is the market there? Maybe. If there was a certain definable demand then we could think this possible, especially considering how cheap it is to develop on the Wii, it's more than likely a great deal cheaper to develop for the Virtual Console service, which likely has greater opportunity for revenue by cutting out shipping and manufacturing costs. In terms of hardware, the console is perfect for it. You've already got a great interface in the Wiimote, a digital distribution system set up to deliver the content, and all that would be needed is gamers like you to voice your desire for adventure gaming on the Wii. OK, we could give the classics a whirl if they were to make it to the Virtual Console service, but we'd rather see new content instead. Go ahead, let Nintendo know...
Confirmed: lightsaber-on-lightsaber action for Wii
Oh yes, young padawan -- a LucasArts rep confirmed the development of a Star Wars game for Wii (and some other next-gen platforms, but who cares?). We were pretty sure this was coming (we figured someone at LucasArts had seen the Wiimote, after all), but it's always nice to be proven right.The Wiire reports the good news breaking during a Q&A session at San Diego's Comic-Con, and the Wiimote was specifically mentioned, so it follows that the game will incorporate the controller in some sweet saber-swingin' action. Let's hope it's actually designed to work with the hypersensitive Wiimote and not just some lame patch they work up for Nintendo. Now the real question is: will the Wiimote speaker churn out the zippy lightsaber sound effects? Anything less would be shenanigans.
LucasArts-adventuring ScummVM hits 0.9.0
Eight months in the making, the latest build of the fantacular ScummVM virtual machine lets you play all sorts of games (notably LucasArts' venerable point-and-click adventure games using the SCUMM engine) on all sorts of platforms. In addition to a shiny, new GUI (pictured ... ooooh), the obligatory bugfixes, the addition of some new titles (The Legend of Kyrandia and The Feeble Files), 0.9.0 also features a "much improved WinCE port." So for any of you that have refused to upgrade your PSP's firmware for fear that you'd lose your precious ScummVM, now you can try running it on that fancy new Windows Mobile 5 phone.
Ron Gilbert talks up his new game, a lite RPG
When he isn't busy dressing us down for bullying up on student plays, Ron Gilbert -- the lead designer behind adventure-game classics like Maniac Mansion and The Secret of Monkey Island -- apparently has lengthy chats with outlets like Gamasutra on what's missing in gaming today (the stories, stupid) and how to fix it (make his game). Yup, he talks a bit about that secret project he keeps going on about ... but, first the stories! "I think there are a lot of people out there who are just not willing to play games that involve a lot of twitching and a lot of action. But if there was more of a slower-paced game like an adventure game, or a kind of light role-playing game, I think these people would be a lot more interested ..." A light role-playing game, eh? Wonder what he meant by that ... we may never know. Or maybe he'll spill the beans on the next page. "The thing I'm trying to do with the game right now is kind of meld it with an RPG. So what you've got is the kind of large world exploration that you have in an RPG that you don't really have with an adventure game. You've got the action, some light combat, you know, Diablo-style combat going on with it, but it is also infused with really good adventure-game-style puzzles and adventure-style sensibilities to the storytelling." Diablo Lite with a funny adventure-game story and goofy adventure-game puzzles? We are so there.
Star Wars 30th anniversary game, TV shows update
The Force was strong at the Licensing 2006 International trade show in New York last week. Lucas Licensing is coming off a record year of $3 billion in worldwide retail sales of its Star Wars consumer products. And despite the end of the movies, the franchise appears stronger than ever.In addition to this year's launch of Lego Star Wars II and the DVD release of the unaltered original trilogy, fans of the Force will have a 30th anniversary game to look forward to in Fall 2007. Lucas reps also confirmed both the CG-animated and live-action Star Wars TV shows are scheduled to debut in 2008.Now, if only they could get Galaxies out of its galactic funk.See also: E3 euphoric over Indiana Jones 2007
Indy returns in indie adventure game, Fountain of Youth
Alright adventure gamers: while we're busy waiting for LucasArts-leftovers, Sam & Max, to make their triumphant return to the small screen, check out the demo for the fanmade Indiana Jones adventure, Indiana Jones and the Fountain of Youth. Built using Adventure Game Studio, the screenshots look remarkably SCUMM-y; the artwork, animation, sound, and writing, all recall the golden age of LucasArts excellent point-and-click adventure games. What makes us nervous: LucasArts team of highly-trained ninja lawyers who only get paid if they send x amount of cease and desist letters to obsessively loyal fans of their various properties. C'mon, look at their URL! Barnettcollege.com ... brilliant. (Note: Mac users can download a beta of the AGS game engine here)See also: Use your BRAINS in zombified adventure game[Via digg]
E3 euphoric over Indiana Jones 2007
"Man...merman!" That's what Indy's been waiting 18 years for. The fourth installment in the big screen Indiana Jones series will find Harrison Ford on the hunt for the Opal of the Merman Prince (working movie title). Whether or not this will be the plot of the tentatively-titled Indiana Jones 2007 is anybody's guess. While at E3, LucasArts wasn't forthcoming about storylines for their next gen adventure, but they did take home a GameSpy Best Tech Demo award for showcasing the new Euphoria technology. Developed by Industrial Light and Magic, Pixelux, and NaturalMotion, Euphoria enables characters to react convincingly to their surrounding environments.Now, if only George Lucas and Steven Spielberg can convince us that the film will ever get made.
Empire at War's first expansion is corrupt
It would appear LucasArts and Petroglyph listened to fan feedback when planning Forces of Corruption, the first expansion pack to their strategy title Star Wars: Empire at War. Some of the new maps that were on display at E3 are 40% bigger than the originals, and a new base layout screen allows for easier customization of your buildings. There are also 13 new planets including Bespin, Mustafar, and Kamino.However, the most important addition is the new underground faction that uses deception and corruption to taint all sides of the Force. Throw in the Super Star Destroyer Eclipse, and new heroes Luke Skywalker and Yoda are sure to have their hands full. Wars not make one great? Bah! Forces of Corruption will be available this fall.See also: Metareview - Star Wars: Empire at War
Portable LEGO Star Wars II details
Pro-G has some new details on the handheld versions of LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy. DS owners will have bragging rights with wireless 2-player co-op mode and 4-player versus mode, as well as customized touch screen controls. PSP gamers also have the co-op mode, in addition to a timed challenge mode that features unlockable characters from the first game. Unlockables are cool, but could introduce some continuity problems for the uninitiated. Then again, keeping track of all the Star Wars timelines ain't like dusting crops, boy! There, I said it.All eight versions of LEGO Star Wars II are scheduled for a September 12 release date.
LucasArts ready to thrill in new park sim
This summer, Frontier Developments and LucasArts will attempt to put the thrill back into theme park simulations with Thrillville -- an amalgam of park building, cart racing, miniature golf, and even first-person shooting contests (against robots, not people). The main objective in Thrillville is to build your park using one of 15 themes, and then enjoy it with your fellow patrons. Micromanagement is supposedly minimized in the game, but there are basic park administration issues that will need to be addressed such as security, sanitation, and fair pricing.The last gen graphics look anything but thrilling, but if the developer's attempt to combine multiple family-friendly genres results in strong gameplay, they could have a hit for all ages. Thrillville will be available on Xbox, PS2, and PSP.
Sam & Max not GameTap exclusive
Joystiq reader Danno has pointed out that, according to the Sam & Max F.A.Q., gamers will not need a GameTap subscription (a correction we need to make for the better of society): in fact, the title will still be available as a download via TellTale's main page in the same manner in which Bone is currently offered.The F.A.Q. further offers some tidbits about the voice acting (which is not being done by any Sam & Max veterans -- "Take a few minutes to stomp your feet and swear at us. We'll wait."), their decision to work with GameTap ("They're giving us the freedom to make the games Sam & Max deserve"), and their decision to work in 3D (series creator Steve Purcell's day job).We're excited; the title is due out in the fall and a downloadable trailer is purported to hit the internet on Thursday -- be sure to check it out for some old-school adventure action.
LEGO Star Wars II jumps onto the Xbox 360
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy will now be making an appearance on the Xbox 360, along with its earlier announced platforms (which include pretty much every current-gen system). Whether creating a Han Solo-Greedo, lightsaber-wielding humanoid hybrid is really the wisest course of action or not is a debate best left to the fan community, however. (A green HanGreedo on the 360 -- it could work.) Our only hope is that the original LEGO Star Wars will make its way onto the official Xbox backward-compatibility list by the time the sequel's released in September. Getting those unlockable characters from the prequels onto the next generation would be awfully nice. (Transferable saves? Even better.) The complete Lucasfilm press release follows below. See also: LEGO Star Wars II out with OT DVDs Sept 12 Original Xbox Games Playable on Xbox 360 (last updated in March)
LEGO Star Wars II out with OT DVDs Sept 12
LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy will be out this fall when it releases with the unaltered original trilogy DVDs on September 12th. Sure, the limited-edition double dipping on the theatrical version of the films may rile movie collectors, but fans do want Han shooting first on their Star Wars DVDs. (The "theatrical" release will only be available until December 31st.) The simultaneous release of game and film on DVD follows in the tradition of the Star Wars Battlefront games releasing alongside the special-edition release of the original trilogy as well as the retail launch of Episode III. The special-edition versions will also be included on each two-disc set. [Thanks, Spindash54, Phil Theobald, Princess Zelda, John, & Jonathan] See also: More LEGO Star Wars II character details Trailer with Yodarth, See-Chewpio, and Princess Obi-Wan Kejawa Hands-on with LSWII; visual mix-up with Diablo 3 ad snafu at IGN Wicket W. Warrick's blog on the game over at 1UP.com Wikipedia entry on "Han shot first"; also, the PvP T-shirt
Indiana Jones to raise bar for next-gen
LucasArts is poised to set the standard for 'next-generation' animation in a new Indiana Jones adventure planned for release in 2007. The game will utilize NaturalMotion's new run-time animation technology called euphoria. Euphoria's goal is to replicate real-world physics. The days of pre-programmed animation are over. NaturalMotion's technology uses factors like strength, weight, and momentum to create accurate animations in real-time.For euphoria to succeed, it must be coupled with solid AI scripts, in this case, programmed by LucasArts. Instead of a rag doll physics engine kicking in (and the AI turning off) when a character "dies" , euphoria works with AI scripts to produce unique physical reactions to in-game occurrences while that character is "alive." IGN recently got a peek at several tech demos of the game, reporting that this new technology demonstrates the "potential for a new kind of gaming experience." We want it now![Note: image is from NaturalMotion's demo, not Indiana Jones game.][Via The Indy Experience.com]
Edge asks, "Why aren't games funny?"
Edge Magazine takes a look at comedy in games ... and comes up pretty short. With the exception of oft-cited titles like pretty much the entire early LucasArts gems (Secret of Monkey Island, Sam and Max, Day Of The Tentacle, and others) and the occasional Conker's Bad Fur Day or Bard's Tale, there isn't much gamers can point to. They talk with Grumpy Gamer (and writer of the hysterical Secret of Monkey Island) Ron Gilbert who frames the problem this way: "I think games have spent a lot of time trying to be movies, but the thing about games is that they’re organic, that players can hopefully to do whatever they want, and if you can work humor into that, then that’s great.” So games like Secret of Monkey Island are passed over in favor of the occasional gag in Metal Gear Solid? Hopefully gamers still crave the scripted comedy of the adventure classics. With fellow Lucas Arts alum Tim Shafer taking top honors in writing at GDC for Psychonauts, and a new Sam & Max adventure coming our way, there's at least a modicum of hope that gamers will embrace funny games.[Via GameSetWatch]
More LEGO Star Wars II character details
Three new screenshots and a number of new playable character descriptions have been released for LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy... and Lucasarts has decided to share the LEGO love with us! Excerpts detailing the new characters and their abilities follow after the jump, as do the three screenshots mentioned, which capture Chewie, Han, Leia, and even Obi-Wan doing his best non-canon work (as can be seen in the Free Play shot aboard the Blockade Runner featured here). If you played through the original LEGO Star Wars on consoles or the PC, you'll be able to import its unlocked characters into the sequel, which should come in handy to begin General Grievous's training with Yoda. (More prequel characters = more sequel lightsabers.) And if you unlocked that secret (but short) bonus level--after completing all the mission requirements in the prequel--you know that you'll need to get your hands on the sequel. Anyone else lookin' forward to more LEGO action this fall? [Thanks, Chris]
Obsidian's Urquhart: happy thoughts on KOTOR 3
The Force is very strong with Feargus Urquhart and his band of merry RPG creators. Obsidian scored a debut hit a year and a half ago with their follow-up to the original Knights of the Old Republic. Now, CEO Urquhart has revealed to Total Video Games that discussions have been taking place with LucasArts since August 2004 regarding the development of KOTOR 3. "LucasArts is thinking what they want to do with it and we would happily make KOTOR3, if that's what LucasArts wants to do." The PC is a given, but would the franchise continue to be an Xbox exclusive on the console side?First things first. Let's enjoy Obsidian's work on Neverwinter Nights 2 before we break out the lightsabers again.[via GameBanshee]
Force may no longer be with SOE
GameSpot is reporting a disturbance in the Force at Sony Online Entertainment, and rumors have surfaced that the troubled Star Wars Galaxies franchise may soon have a new home. Speculation stems from a recent exodus of talent at SOE's Austin office, including the game's chief creative officer Raph Koster. Coincidentally, new neighbor BioWare Austin employs many SOE veterans, and is staffing up for a sci-fi MMO.A LucasArts rep denies any plans to phase out the current Galaxies, but did confirm they have been approached by other companies to develop a second Star Wars online property. How cool would a KOTOR-based MMO be?
