HOTHEAD GAMES TO PUBLISH NEW RON GILBERT GAME DEATHSPANK
Gilbert joins the Vancouver crew as Creative Director
The Great White North, January 9, 2008 - In a move that may upset the balance of the universe (or at least that around the 49th parallel), Hothead Games announced plans to publish Ron Gilbert's long-awaited RPG-Adventure game, DeathSpank. Described as "Monkey Island meets Diablo", the game will be released in episodic format and feature Gilbert's unique style of humor and storytelling. In a related move, Ron Gilbert will be joining the company's Vancouver-based studio as Creative Director, effective immediately.
Speaking from his secret game design cave, Ron Gilbert said, "I've spent over four years trying to find the right publisher for this strange little game. Now that I've done it, you just know that somewhere four horsemen are saddling up."
The episodic game follows the thong-tastic adventures of a misguided hero named DeathSpank, a character that first appeared on Gilbert's Grumpy Gamer website in a series of animated comics he penned with long-time creative collaborator, Clayton Kauzlaric.
Hothead prepared for Gilbert's arrival by ordering the finest morsels of jellied moose meat and lager brewed with water from the nearest available glacier. "We're all huge fans of Monkey Island and we love Ron's unique vision and sense of humor," said Joel DeYoung, COO of Hothead Games. "Ron shares Hothead's goal of bringing much-needed humor and innovation into games, so having him here in Vancouver as our Creative Director is an excellent fit."
"I'm really excited to be working with Hothead Games not only on DeathSpank, but as their new Creative Director," said Gilbert. "I got to know everyone at Hothead while I was helping with On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness. They really understand humor and being creative like very few publishers do."
As Creative Director, Gilbert will work in the Vancouver-based studio on all of Hothead's games. He is also expected to improve his hockey skills substantially during his stay.
Monkey Island Rocks! This could be promising...
DeathSpank.
That is an awesome name.
And Ron Giilbeeert.
The only potential flaw is can see in this news is the word "episodic"
Yeah, I was teeheeing all the way to the bank until I saw the word 'episodic'.
Chad, you did it. You mentioned Nomi Malone in a post.
I worship you forever.
This is fucking epic
@Colette,
I have waited so long ... :)
I freaked out upon glancing the word "episodic" as well, but then I thought of Sam & Max. It seemed to work for that (awesome!) game, right? Right?
It's about damn time.
No one in gaming pays parody/tribute to genres like Ron Gilbert. Well, except maybe Tim Schafer. Regardless, this is totally hot news. I can't wait to learn more of the game.
If Ron Gilbert is reading this, please include the line "How appropriate, you fight like a cow" in this game.
Or just rename it that. Either way, I'll buy it.
This could be pure liquid win.
If it has deadly pirahna poodles.
I CAME
o gawd please tell me itll be on 360 have have live co-op.
gotta support these creative guys. everyone go buy psychonaughts and then pre order brutal legend!
dear god...deathspank...
Brilliant!
@Jonathan Holmes,
Or include: "That's the third biggest monkey head I've ever seen."
My head would explode. :)
Those are the guys working on the Penny Arcade game too, which is supposed to be episodic. Then again, I haven't heard anything about that game in a while...
The only problem is the word "Diablo". Hopefully the mindless clickfest is kept to a minimum and the intelligent fun adventuring take priority.
I'm hoping it's Diablo in terms of setting and not in game play.
And that Darth Vader and Yoda are in it, so it can get a lot of attention too.
Also, boobs.
Yeah I agree with Paroxysm, Diablo's gameplay is some of the worst ever.
DeathSpank?
"Monkey Island meets Diablo"?
Wow. You're right, Ron. This is the greatest thing in the world.
@Im OK,
Congratulations, you just won. :)
Do want, now.
How about ... hmm.... Monkey Island meets Diablo? That sounds like a cool combination.
GAD DAMN THIS MAKES ME WANT TO SHIT ON BABIES! -angels
omg I just gasmed rocket ships into space.
I'd be happy if they just put out a graphically updated Monkey Island, but this sounds too good to be true... what's the catch, do I have to sacrifice some kittens or something to play the game?
I'm not sold... yet...
I'll require at least 2 instances of gameplay footage and a proper episodic release schedule before I buy. If they get me both and it isn't just some bad console-ish platform game, they get my money.
Simple :)
Diablo is awesome. Monkey island is awesome. Combined, they are a force the likes of which has NEVER BEEN SEEN.
An RPG with a cracking script and some funny jokes? Someone has been listening to my prayers.
Also Deathspank... best title ever.
I might officially change my name to that.
There's really no need for ads, press releases or anything at all. Ron, just tell me where to send the money. Thanks.
Looks friggin sweet
@Im OK
You win!
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