New Simpsons Video Games!

I've been waiting for this announcement for a long time. As a huge fan of The Simpsons: Hit & Run, I was beginning to wonder if there would ever be any more Simpsons-related videogames on the horizon. I only hope that Electronic Arts can do at least as good a job as Radical Entertainment did. Here's the press release:

November 2, 2005 - Electronic Arts, Twentieth Century Fox Television and Gracie Films today announced a long-term deal that grants EA development rights to multiple videogame titles based on the FOX hit series THE SIMPSONS. Working closely with the television studio's Licensing and Merchandising division, Gracie Films and THE SIMPSONS writers, EA will create original 'Simpsons' game content for next generation videogame systems. This groundbreaking deal between Fox and EA is the first development deal between these two entities. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The first game of the multi-game deal will be launched on next generation systems; no launch date has been announced. "This is a great opportunity for our talented development team to collaborate with the brilliant minds of THE SIMPSONS to bring original Simpsons material to videogame fans," said Nick Earl, Vice President and General Manager, EA Redwood Shores Studio. "This is something EA's been interested in for years and now game development and technology is at a place where THE SIMPSONS characters and world will really come alive in these games."

"The Simpsons is our crown jewel and with every additional episode is creating a legacy of creativity and success unmatched in this industry," commented Twentieth Century Fox President Gary Newman. "Its huge appeal among teens and young adults coupled with its seemingly limitless universe of memorable characters makes it a natural fit for videogaming, and we believe Electronic Arts is exactly the right creative partner to bring Springfield to life in this medium."

'Simpsons' Executive Producer James L. Brooks, speaking on behalf of Gracie Films, stated, "I think this is a great opportunity for us, primarily because it brings with it the possibility of free EA games."

Game development will be done at EA's Redwood Shores Studio, the studio currently responsible for From Russia With Love, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06, The Lord of The Rings: Tactics, The Godfather and The Sims games.

The image above is taken from Simpsons Comics #110. Click to enlarge.