Gaming News Round-Up: January 26th, 2005

Today's round-up includes a couple of intriguing licensing deals, from CG animated films all the way to clay-animated blobs. - Ubisoft has signed a deal with Sony Pictures to produce video games based on the film company's upcoming animated features. The French-headquartered developer will make games based on Open Season and Surf's Up, the first two ventures from Sony Pictures Animation. Open Season will be released in September 2006, while Surf's Up has a tentative date of summer 2007; the games will likely be ready for release alongside the films. - Namco has secured the exclusive rights to the classic TV character Gumby from Prema Toy Co, in a move to make games based on the green claymation star. Not only will Namco make games revolving around Gumby and his friends, but the license extends to an agreement to use them in cameo roles for other games. "Our family is very excited to see Gumby make his debut in the interactive world," said Art Clokey, creator of the character. No specific titles or release dates have been announced yet.