The Simpsons Game coming from Electronic Arts
by Kevin Kelly 
{ Apr 2nd 2007 at 2:58PM }
Sources both very close to the Joystiq vest and in the family point to the fact that Electronic Arts is working on The Simpsons Game, probably to be published in conjunction with The Simpsons Movie this summer. While the move isn't unexpected, it does prove that marketing departments are just getting lazy. Soon you'll be able to buy The Simpsons T-Shirt, and eat The Simpsons Breakfast Cereal.Let's just hope this game doesn't suck. There hasn't really been a Simpsons game that has blown our socks off, or even made us shout "D'oh!" However if game hasn't officially been announced yet, and the movie is being released this July, then signs point to a game that'll be rushing to bargain bins at your favorite retail outlet. Add to that the fact that it's being developed for everyone platform under the sun (we wouldn't be surprised if they had a version in the works for ATM wait screens), and it's the shotgun approach -- everybody gets a little something.
However, our very own source tells us that when he was interviewed at Electronic Arts, part of the process was to watch Simpsons Skateboarding on the PS2 and list everything that was wrong with it. Apparently he filled an entire sheet, so maybe we shouldn't be so quick to judge.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
LaughingTarget @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:01PM
I'm holding out for The Simpsons: The Flamethrower. I'll also accept the old arcade game as a consolation prize.
Ken Seang @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:04PM
That sucks EA has the rights to the Simpsons because I was hoping for a sequel to Hit and Run...
baby sea tuna @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:04PM
The Simpsons...on a t-shirt?!
I never thought I'd see the day.
Revolution @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:06PM
I liked Hit and Run and the Simpsons arcade game.
Mark @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:08PM
Simpons Hit and Run on PS2 was pretty decent, one of the few games that kept me interested to the end..
grable @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:11PM
Well, you had "Krusty's Super Fun House" which was pretty fun. Although not much of simpsons in there though.
PhrawzT @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:30PM
The Simpsons arcade game was the best one. Krusty's Super Fun House and Hit and Run were decent, but can't compare.
Anni @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:31PM
What? Man, the old Simpsons arcade game was one of my favorites.
Yoshi Likes Boys @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:37PM
Generic sandbox game #458 incoming!
OldElvis @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:41PM
They already had Simpson's cereal out. To promote Simpson's Hit & Run I believe. There was 2 types one was Homers Chocolate donuts the other was Bart related (I have the box at home).
Mr Khan @ Apr 2nd 2007 3:59PM
Well, previous Simpsons games have been relatively good
But previous movie licenses have sucked
A simpsons movie license? let's wait and see...
Rubang B @ Apr 2nd 2007 4:00PM
The arcade game was magnificent! But alas, 'twas but a diamond in the rough.
JVSCant @ Apr 2nd 2007 4:08PM
GTA: Springfield. One of the side missions; you are Apu, and you get points for selling pornography to Milhouse.
DWells55 @ Apr 2nd 2007 4:32PM
There's one reason this is going to suck:
EA.
David Rudden @ Apr 2nd 2007 4:53PM
Which gameplay engine will they gank for a Simpsons game this time? They've already done Crazy Taxi and GTA.
moosey @ Apr 2nd 2007 5:09PM
what about virtual springfield
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Springfield
horngreen @ Apr 2nd 2007 7:47PM
I can't believe EA would rush a movie tie in game! Look at their past works from the early 80s like Galactica 1980 and After M.A.S.H. Those compelling shows made fine games on the Atari 2600. I see them doing great things with YET ANOTHER Simpsons game.
Zoob @ Apr 2nd 2007 5:56PM
The old arcade game was amazing! Definitely sock blowing-off worthy.
They should use that for the basis of their design, and run with it.
Aj Collins @ Apr 2nd 2007 6:49PM
When I seen The Simpsons Game in the title I jumped up and down. Then I read the title more.....I seen the "Coming from EA". I about peed my pants. What the hell is Fox thinking? Letting EA make the game is the worst choice ever.
dantebk @ Apr 2nd 2007 6:46PM
Another vote for Hit & Run being awesome. Awesome for a Simpsons game anyway, if not objectively so.
ThatFuzzyBastard @ Apr 2nd 2007 9:34PM
I actually really liked Hit & Run---an expanded sandbox Springfield could actually be really great. I mean, who doesn't enjoy running around Springfield, seeing their favorite characters and places, having "hot coffee" with Mrs. Crabopple... If they can come up with good gameplay (H&R was close but not quite there) and pack in even more of the fan service gags from H&R (I fondly remember the 4 Stages of Duff poster), it could be a really fun game.
Toad64 @ Apr 2nd 2007 10:18PM
In the Gamestop/EB Games computers, the release is set for November, so it looks like this may be released with the DVD release instead to buy them some extra time. I have high hopes, I thought Hit and Run was almost there, but still not quite.
Broadside @ Apr 2nd 2007 11:57PM
if the game is as entertaining and funny as the Simpsons has been the past 5 years or so, I think I'll pass. Sorry this show is well and truly past its use by date. It used to be fantastic, now it's a travesty.
iocomposer @ Apr 3rd 2007 12:28PM
You failed to mention that this game is being developed by Maxis. I think they deserve the benefit of the doubt as to whether or not this will be a good game.