Matt Damon has had huge success with the Bourne franchise. Many have said it’s like the next generation James Bond. So it’s no surprise to hear Electronic Arts have nabbed exclusive rights to adapt the late Robert Ludlum’s novels into video games from Ludlum Entertainment. First on their list to adapt? Jason Bourne. I’m getting an odd sense of déjà vu. Do I have amnesia or has this already happened?
To put it simply, no I don’t and yes, it has. In June 2008, almost a full year after The Bourne Ultimatum, Robert Ludlum’s: The Bourne Conspiracy was released by Sierra Entertainment in association with High Moon Studios. It’s plot was closely related to the first film and took it’s cues from the amazingly well-choreographed fight sequences however, Damon did not lend his voice or likeness to the game. It received mixed reviews and did not sell very well which is not surprising considering it wasn’t promoted along with the film.
Starbreeze Studios, who developed The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, will be releasing the first Ludlum/Bourne game for EA. No details have been released as to the plot but it would certainly be in their best interest to have it coincide with the next Bourne film. Not to mention convincing Damon to work with them.
Last year Ludlum Entertainment and Universal Studios finalized a deal to adapt other Ludlum novels into films. Will the written works have to be made into a movie before EA will consider turning them into video games? Which other novels would make the best choices? Is there really that much of a market for Ludlum games considering the most famous tanked? Discuss!
You can also view and discuss this article at my blog, TheNerdyBird.com.
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:53 am
I’ve never seen the Bourne movies. It’s far past time for me to rectify that. Jill, I must say, your writing is stylish impeccable!
February 3rd, 2009 at 2:57 am
So much so that I forget small words like and!
February 3rd, 2009 at 3:24 am
I wouldn’t say Conspiracy tanked, necessarily. We did name it one of our top games of 2008, after all. High Noon did a remarkable job and after speaking with them about the game and their plans should the series move forward, I had higher hopes than ever for a sequel.
February 3rd, 2009 at 8:54 am
Haha, thanks very much Zen. Glad I have such a strong effect on people.
William, no, it didn’t tank. It just didn’t sell very well. They said themselves it didn’t take off like they’d hoped. I just can’t see putting more money and effort behind something that wasn’t a hit the first time around. Kinda risky.
February 4th, 2009 at 7:42 am
I’d heard the last game did a good job but sometimes some franchises just dont do well when they dont have the likeness rights :\