Visceral Games’ underrated survival horror series Dead Space may be deader than its name suggests, but that’s not stopping the Electronic Arts owned studio from soldiering on with an even bigger sci-fi brand. Rumours have connected the company to Star Wars for some time now – and they have been confirmed today by the successful recruitment of Uncharted director Amy Hennig.
“Over the last few weeks, Amy and I have spent a lot of time talking about what her first project would be,” said a chuffed Visceral Games gaffer Steve Papoutsis. “There are a lot of different directions that we could have gone, but I could sense that what really excited her about this opportunity was Star Wars. Amy’s a huge fan. We happen to be making a Star Wars game. Just thinking about the possibilities made both of us even more excited about having her join the team.”
Writing on Twitter, the ex-Naughty Dog employee expressed her delight at returning to the company that kickstarted her career over 23 years ago, and also stressed her passion for George Lucas’ seminal series. “It's a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to the Star Wars universe, after it's had such a formative influence on my life,” she said.
Hennig exited Naughty Dog in March following a ten year tenure at the first-party outfit. The motivation behind her departure is still not entirely clear, though the developer has stressed that the decision was not influenced by The Last of Us creators Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmann – irrespective of reports to the contrary. We must admit, we are excited by the idea of a quality Star Wars title – and this one certainly appears to have some pedigree behind it.
[source ea.com]
Comments 19
Congrats!
Whoa! This is a big surprise. Although it's sad to see her depart Naughty Dog, I won't lie when I say that I'm excited for the future because a mind-blowing Star Wars game could come from this awesome team-up.
I may finally buy a Star Wars game if she's involved.
Unsurprising that she's quickly picked up another job. Bit relieved that she didn't end up at Microsoft cos I wouldn't have been surprised if they tried hard to get her.
Glad she's still going to be working on games. I'm hoping Disney doesn't smash any dark approach she might bring to give it a fresh spin, more for mature adults than rated-E. I can see Disney having issues with that.
The game will still be rubbish and you all know it! The Star Wars curse...
Congrats to her, but honestly I have to agree with @ShogunRok on this one the last few Star Wars games have been rubbish.
@ShogunRok I actually really liked the first force unleashed...
@ztpayne7 Nah it's not a bad game. I'm just trying to keep people's expectations in check!
@ShogunRok Meh. They already wanted to make Uncharted in space with Star Wars 1313. Dead Space ended up like Uncharted by the end. With Hennig now involved, this will just be Uncharted in space.
Was hoping MS would nab her, she could've helped 343i with storytelling if nothing else. Or, Sucker Punch would've been a good place as well. Gives me a little hope for the next Star Wars though.
They need to raise from the dead that which stinking Disney dumped.
Uncharted in Spaaaaaace !
Plenty of amazing SW titles in the 90s. She's our only hope...
@ShogunRok I find your lack of faith...disturbing...
Seriously, though...Dead Space 1 was awesome and the first Force Unleashed was quite good, so this could work.
Sweet!
Finally, EA has made a GOOD decision!
I wonder if this new game will be what 1313 was going to be after all that had a Uncharted feeling to it if the previews were anything to go by
and who better to ressurect it than the director of the Uncharted series
(wishful thinking I know)
Visceral Games are good dev's but it's ashame the publisher is EA, we all know what happened to Dead Space. So its going to be aimed at mass market appeal, this could turnout either way.
Gamechanger! Plus unexpected. Visceral Games? Of all the studios within EA's helm.
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