Oscar-winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has entered into a long-term agreement to make video games with interactive entertainment producer and distributor Electronic Arts. Known for both thrill-ride flicks such as Jurassic Park and moving historical dramas like Shindler’s List, Spielberg promises to bring pulse-pounding action and compelling storylines to gamers as he works with development teams at EA’s Los Angeles studio to create a trio of original franchises.
The games are scheduled to begin development this year as Spielberg stakes out a spot at EALA to bring his signature style of storytelling to the concept, design and artistic visualization of the new games. EA will own the intellectual properties and the titles will be published and distributed worldwide by EA.
“I have been playing EA games for years and have watched them master the interactive format,” Spielberg comments. “Having watched the game industry grow from a niche into a major creative force in entertainment, I have a great deal of respect for EA’s understanding of the interactive format. I’m looking forward to working closely with the team in Los Angeles.”
“It’s incredibly exciting to be collaborating with Steven Spielberg,” notes Neil Young, VP and studio head at EALA. “He shares our vision for the potential of the medium and has the passion and creativity to help us finally deliver on the promise that a game can not only engage and compel you with its interactivity, but can also move you emotionally.”
With interactive software outselling Hollywood product and movie tie-ins accounting for a significant percentage of games hitting the market, filmmakers are becoming more involved in the game development process. The strong link between the film and game industries was recently spotlighted by the announcement that Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson is exec producing 20th Century Fox’s big-screen adaptation of Microsoft’s hugely successful sci-fi shooter, Halo.
Financial terms of the agreement between Spielberg and EA were not disclosed, and details of the three video games being developed under the partnership are being kept under wraps for the time being.
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