50 Cent the first Sierra game to escape Activision and find a home?
According to GamesIndustry, based on an Australian ratings board filing, it looks like THQ has picked up "50 Cent: Blood in the Sand" from Activision Blizzard. It was one of numerous Sierra titles that Activision execs chose not to publish after merging with Vivendi Games.
Assuming it's true, that would make it the first rejected Sierra game to officially find a home. I haven't gotten a definite answer yet, but given that THQ is on the hunt for more adult-oriented titles, loves licenses, and this fits pretty nicely with its "Saints Row" franchise, it wouldn't be too surprising.
Other titles that were kicked to the curb by ActiBlizzard but were far enough along in development that they could easily come out if a new publisher works out a deal include:
-"Ghostbusters." Sony Pictures has said it plans to put it out with a new publisher sometimes in 2009. But no word on who it will be.
-"Brutal Legend." There were rumors it would be picked up by MTV, but I shot those down in August. Now, despite indications a deal would get done quickly, we're still waiting.
-"Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena," Starbreeze's quasi-sequel to 2005's well received "Escape from Butcher Bay." From what I hear, license holder Universal is still working with Activision Blizzard to find a new publisher.
Chris Morris reports on the business and culture of video games and offers analysis of recent events and industry trends.
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Byron, what makes you so sure that 50 cent is crappy (or crappiest). It looks like big, dumb fun to me and the impressions I've heard/read from those who have seen it in action is that it is a very competent action game.
Posted by: Eudaimo | October 13, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Wow, THQ decided to pick up the crappiest title that Activision was offering.
You'd think a company that is doing as well as THQ is would think twice about that....
Oh wait minute, I forgot that THQ has continually been in reorg mode and is nearing bankruptcy.
Good luck guys, you're going to need it.
Posted by: Byron Tauser | October 13, 2008 at 01:37 PM