EA to publish next Oddworld title @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on June 18, 2004

News: EA is buying up the publishing rights to just about everything, aren't they?

After acquiring the publishing rights to the newest TimeSplitters title a few months ago, EA has opened their checkbook for another big time series. EA signed a deal with Oddworld Inhabitants today for the publishing rights to the fourth Oddworld game due in 2005 for the Xbox and PS2. The game is currently untitled, but a few story details were revealed.

The game will revolve around The Stranger, a wild west-styled bounty hunter, who will be wandering the Oddworld frontier attempting to track down dangerous outlaws and criminals. The first word from EA also promised "players will be moved by the complex and inspiring story as the Stranger comes to grips with his true nature in the hunt for the ultimate bounty." Executives from EA and Oddworld Inhabitants seemed pleased with the deal.

"Partnering with EA is a major win for us. Through EA's first-rate publishing and marketing expertise, the expanded universe of Oddworld can reach millions of game fans and extend the reach of this distinctive series," said Lorne Lanning, President of Oddworld Inhabitants.

"Over the past 10 years, Oddworld has consistently elevated the creative bar in each of their titles, providing a rich and engrossing game experience. Oddworld Inhabitants represent the type of high quality developer with which we're seeking to partner moving forward," commented Greg Richardson, General Manager of EA Partners.

The publishing rights to the series were previously held by Microsoft, who wanted to position Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee as the cornerstone of the Xbox launch lineup. Then, middling reviews and a little game called Halo made the property just another footnote during the launch phase.