Wall Street Journal To Disney: “Buy EA”.

Electronic Arts (EA), the biggest video game distributor who makes games like Madden football and the upcoming Dante’s Inferno (as discussed here before), has not had the best financial year–well, nobody really has had a good year, financially. I’m sure Disney has taken a . . . → Read More: Wall Street Journal To Disney: “Buy EA”]]>

Wall Street Journal To Disney: “Buy EA”.

Electronic Arts (EA), the biggest video game distributor who makes games like Madden football and the upcoming Dante’s Inferno (as discussed here before), has not had the best financial year–well, nobody really has had a good year, financially. I’m sure Disney has taken a hit or two, but perhaps it’s still in the black due to inventing and owning a quarter of the world’s intellectual properties (perhaps a conservative figure).

Anyway, Wall Street is advising Disney that buying up EA would be both a good financial move and a win-win situation for both parties. While this isn’t a sign of the apocalypse (that chihuahua movie sure was close), it’s a pretty big prospect. The kotaku page linked above shows the concern of gamers that if Disney made the deal, they might significantly tone down the violent (i.e. fun) content of some titles. But really, who knows how Disney would handle the games that aren’t directly developed by them? I think combining such talent from these two companies could produce some fantastic games. But, what would it mean for the Inferno game in which I’m interested? More-assured financial backing, I suppose … as long as they don’t make the movie a musical.

Dantes Inferno: Universal Buys Rights To EA’s Dante’s Inferno.

Here’s an update to my previous post. Universal Studios will bring us the Inferno movie (same studio that did Dante’s Peak which had absolutely nothing to do with the Inferno). So, big name studio to do the movie … check. Not a . . . → Read More: Universal Buys Rights To EA’s Dante’s Inferno]]>

Dantes Inferno: Universal Buys Rights To EA’s Dante’s Inferno.

Here’s an update to my previous post. Universal Studios will bring us the Inferno movie (same studio that did Dante’s Peak which had absolutely nothing to do with the Inferno). So, big name studio to do the movie … check. Not a bad start. Hopefully future announcements will include a great director, great cast, great composer, and most important of all, a great script.

If the movie will not have these ingredients, they shouldn’t bother at all. Otherwise critics (and audiences) will have too easy a time ripping the movie apart saying how awful it is and how it is like going through hell to watch it. Universal, don’t give them that chance–not a chance in hell! (sorry, couldn’t resist)

Dante’s Inferno: EA Developing Game Based On Dante’s Inferno.

I fully expected a movie of Dante’s Inferno to come out and then, possibly, there would be a video game based on it. But like the essence of hell itself, everything is backwards; a video game is being made first, then a . . . → Read More: EA Developing Game Based On Dante’s Inferno]]>

Dante’s Inferno: EA Developing Game Based On Dante’s Inferno.

I fully expected a movie of Dante’s Inferno to come out and then, possibly, there would be a video game based on it. But like the essence of hell itself, everything is backwards; a video game is being made first, then a movie based on it.

This has the potential to be great, except for the fact that most all video-game-to-movie adaptations completely suck. See the Nostalgia Critic for proof. What it takes to be great is dependent on the skilled hands of a good director (for the movie … and a great director/developer for the game).

A movie based solely on the poem could be quite good and interpret Dante’s vision for the modern day and could even transcend its own art. The game will only be concerned with action and fighting your way through the levels of hell. What the game will miss is the inherent love story that provides the motivation for Dante the character (and the author). I always envisioned a story that goes something like this: Dante loves Beatrice. Beatrice dies. Dante falls into despair, letting go of his faith. Beatrice, moved by his love and concerned for him and his soul asks God to help him. God puts Dante through hell (literally) so that Dante can recognize what his own life, his very self, could become if he doesn’t change. Good setup for a movie, not so great for a game.

The game’s story probably won’t go that deeply. Its premise need nothing more than: “You’re in hell, fight your way out from beginning to end.” The movie, would need a little bit of that, too, actually. There would need to be some supernatural action (add that to the deep story and great characters, you got a great movie). But if that’s the premise of the game, and the movie will be based on the game, then I think we’re going to miss a great opportunity here.

All I need to do is write that movie script of Dante’s Inferno that has always lived in the back of my mind. Where the hell will I get time for that? And if this game/movie idea is already in motion, my time is pretty much up. I can relish all I want in the potential of this project, but it will not/could not live up to my expectations. So, I just gotta go into this with the right frame of mind: this is gonna blow!

P.S. And in case you missed this news, Heaven, the Game, is coming out, too. … OMG …

It’s good to know I’m not the only one with odd interests. Dave Lafferty, over at davelafferty.com hosts the “Dante Explorer.” A cool blog about all things Dante including articles on sections of the Inferno. Use that site and my own Virtual Tour of Dante’s Hell and you’re set . . . → Read More: You’re Not Alone, Not Here]]>

It’s good to know I’m not the only one with odd interests. Dave Lafferty, over at davelafferty.com hosts the “Dante Explorer.” A cool blog about all things Dante including articles on sections of the Inferno. Use that site and my own Virtual Tour of Dante’s Hell and you’re set to be an expert … an expert of the afterlife.