Spielberg spells new projects with Newsweek
by Ross Miller 
{ Jul 9th 2007 at 8:00PM }
In an article dated July 16 (published a bit too early?), Croal talks about his projects codenamed LMNO (Xbox 360 and PS3) and PQRS (for the Wii). The latter title is reportedly a physics-based action puzzler simulator "that neatly blends the creativity of the building-blocks game Jenga with the charm of a Saturday-morning cartoon," he said. Blocks are manipulated using motion gestures via the Wii remote.
Project LMNO is described as North by Northwest meets E.T. and has you playing as an ex-secret agent alongside an AI-controlled woman. "The challenge is," said Spielberg, "can the game have an emotional impact on players while they are actively manipulating the world?"
We know Spielberg has one other project in the works. Is it ABC, DEFG, HIJK, TUVW, or XYZ? And what happens when he runs out of letters? Hiragana? No news on release dates, but the Wii title was previously mentioned in an EA financial report as coming out before April 2008.
[Update: revised unannounced project suggestions]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shadow Hog @ Jul 9th 2007 8:09PM
It's more likely to be HIJK than IJKL, though, seeing as L is being used in LMNO.
Which, for that matter, only makes me think of They Might Be Giants.
hvnlysoldr @ Jul 9th 2007 8:12PM
On one hand 360/PS3 get ET Ico and Wii get Jenga. I don't whose hand is worse.
Ian Von Porter @ Jul 9th 2007 8:17PM
Meh, Spielburg is unproven in making video games.. lets see what he puts out. The Wii-game sounds like any other mini-game thats already been done; how does he plan to make an **entire game** off a single wiimote concept.
Phour ZwanZig @ Jul 9th 2007 10:16PM
Ive never heard that Spielberg has come up with a screenplay (so-to-speak) for a video game yet..
And no.. ET for Atari doesn't count... We all now how bad of an aftertaste that game had..
Then again.. Maybe Im unsure of his game work, cuz his games have sucked.. but Dunno..
3cubedminus3squared @ Jul 9th 2007 8:26PM
I hope project LMNO doesn't become more like project FPS.
AoE @ Jul 9th 2007 8:29PM
I've gotta agree with Ian Von Porter... and in light of his recent film track record, I wonder if Spielberg has it in him to make anything of quality. I'm not holding my breath.
Jonathan Tran @ Jul 9th 2007 8:41PM
ROFL WTFSUX
zwarrior @ Jul 9th 2007 8:53PM
NOOOOOOO, With Spielberg, I thought for sure EA would give Wii owners their exclusive game for the first time ever. Bu turns out its a freakin "saturday morning cartoon" puzzler.
So let's look at the EA Wii exclusives: Boogie, EA playground, EA sports with "family play" and now "PQRS". F EA, F em!!
Mr Khan @ Jul 9th 2007 9:23PM
Its obvious; the one goes to fund the other
Although with Spielberg's old saturday morning cartoons (Animaniacs, anyone?) the one could wind up just as good as the other
Baby21 @ Jul 9th 2007 9:44PM
Yeah, I love Mini games even better cos it is project by Spielberg.
That's why I own Wii and DS only! Full of true games and active with family or friends not ebuddy.
Gavin @ Jul 9th 2007 9:46PM
Another Jenga game for the Wii? This is the best system ever!!!!
RogueJedi86 @ Jul 9th 2007 10:00PM
"The challenge is," said Spielberg, "can the game have an emotional impact on players while they are actively manipulating the world?"
Mr. Spielberg, I'd like to show you a little game called ICO. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ico
Adv2k1 @ Jul 9th 2007 11:16PM
both games in theory sound terrible. I had hype for the games based on his help but it seems like he has no clue what he is doing, maybe have him as story consultant will be better use of his talents
ThornedVenom @ Jul 9th 2007 11:50PM
If that's true, here's my own project name: LMAO.
I don't have many expectations from his games, especially not from the wii one, but we'll see eventually if he's able to convey a compelling story through gameplay as well as a film director.
HH @ Jul 10th 2007 4:01AM
Ian Von Porter:
Meh, Spielburg is unproven in making video games..
False. See LucasArts 'The Dig'.
PocketGoddess @ Jul 10th 2007 8:47AM
First thing I noticed is that neither one of them is using the wrist strap on the Wii-mote. . . guess I'm not that interested in either of the announced games.
That's OK, the Rabbids are sure to keep me and my friends busy for a long while.
Jamesology @ Jul 10th 2007 9:44PM
I seriously sick of my Wii, these mini games can only go so far with FUN playing alone. In the adult world, friends meeting up is kinda hard. I can't wait for Mario Galaxy to come out. Gosh I wish I can fast forward time, so I can have my PS3 80GB (b/c I can buy it)and Mario Galaxy. Who said money can't buy happiness.
Meahwhile, my DS and PSP will keep me company.