Today's round-up includes news of a postponement for EA's
The Godfather-licensed title, THQ's attempts to see
Destroy All Humans! media-shifted, and a change of personnel over at Radical Entertainment, as well as the latest product news and Gamasutra job postings.
- Electronic Arts'
The Godfather: The Game has been postponed to early 2006, which will put it past its initially expected holiday 2005 release window. Explaining the delay, the game's executive producer David DeMartini said that "The Godfather is one of the most cherished franchises in entertainment. Releasing the game in early 2006 allows us more time to perfect the open-world experience of being a member of the Corleone family." While the delay may not affect the sales performance of a game with as high-profile a license as the Godfather, the move will undoubtedly put a dent in EA's holiday sales.
- THQ has contracted the United Talent Agency to represent its original property
Destroy All Humans!, as developed into a console game by Pandemic Studios, in other media. The game was recently released to
largely favorable reviews, and THQ is seeking to extend the brand into film and television. "We see great potential for crossing the
DAH! property across all relevant entertainment platforms, and we anticipate high interest among the creative and marketing communities alike," said Brent Weinstein of UTA.
- Radical Entertainment, developer of
The Simpsons Hit & Run and the upcoming
Scarface, has named Kelly Zmak as its new Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Product Development. Zmak will work under Ian Wilkinson, president of Radical, and oversee the company's strategic plan as well as day-to-day matters. Said Zmak on his promotion, "I think the beauty of the Vivendi relationship is they have every desire to preserve that positive atmosphere and creative drive. Maintaining Radical’s award-winning work culture is a large part of my mandate."
- Also updated today: product news including OverTheEdge's announcement of the
latest version of its Mac-specific game design platform and Plenoptics' release of
its photo to 3D model software, as well as the
latest job postings from companies including Activision/Luxoflux, Arc Worldwide, Factor 5, Pandemic Studios, and Sony Computer Entertainment America.
