2K Games goes Dark(ness)

by: Chuck - posted: 3/3/2006 12:00:00 PM

2K Games sends word they are working on The Darkness a game based on the comic book from Top Cow productions (not the British hair band, although that might make an interesting game in and of itself).  The next generation title has you playing mafia hitman Jackie Estacado who is possessed by The Darkness (an ancient demonic entity) on his 21st birthday.  The spirit gives him spectacular powers.  The same thing happened to me on my 21st birthday except that evil spirit's name was Jose Cuervo but the only thing spectacular thing it gave me was a hangover the next day.  The game is expected to see store shelves next winter.

2K Games to Publish The Darkness Based on Renowned Comic Book Franchise

 

-- The Darkness Video Game to Feature First Person Action in Gritty New York Environments and Dark Otherworld --

 

New York, NY – March 3, 2006 – 2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today The Darkness, a premier video game based on the popular comic book franchise. The Darkness is currently in development for next generation console systems and is scheduled to be released next winter. 

Under development by the award-winning developer Starbreeze Studios, The Darkness video game is based on the best-selling comic book series from Top Cow Productions and utilizes a Starbreeze internally developed next-generation game engine. The Darkness will feature a distinct blend of dark modern crime drama and supernatural horror with intense first person non-linear gameplay. 

"The Darkness video game is a dynamic first person shooter that allows players to call upon the forces of the evil underworld as they fight in gritty, urban environments,” said Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director of 2K Games. “Armed with an arsenal of guns, gamers will battle an array of demonic creatures and supernatural powers. The dark and dynamic comic book storyline will translate perfectly into first-person action that fans will love.”

 

In the game, players assume the role of mafia hitman Jackie Estacado. On the night of his 21st birthday, Jackie is possessed by "The Darkness," an ancient demonic entity that gives Jackie spectacular powers. The story, written by Eisner Award winner Paul Jenkins, follows Jackie and his fight with the fictional Francetti mafia. As the story unfolds, the player will learn to utilize traditional weapons and the extraordinary powers of The Darkness.

 

The best-selling comic book series “The Darkness” launched in 1996 and is currently published in 19 different languages around the world. Union Entertainment, a feature film and video game production company is overseeing the video game adaptation of the franchise.  A feature film based on the franchise, produced by Platinum Studios and Dimension Films, is in pre-production for projected release in 2007.

 

“The Darkness is a great franchise and we’re proud to be developing the game with 2K Games, Starbreeze and Union Entertainment,” said Matt Hawkins, Top Cow’s President and COO.