GRIN reflects on making licensed games, working with movie studios

From Total Recall to Superman Returns, there is a reason why movie-licensed games are looked down on with such contempt. While many of the problems with these sorts of games can be laid at the feet of the game publishers, it goes without saying that the film studios and property owners themselves are not without blame. Still, GRIN co-founder Ulf Anderson hopes that his studio's upcoming take on Wanted will curve the trajectory of our expectations, and in a recent Gamasutra interview, the exec noted that working with Universal had "been a lot better than I expected it to be."

As to why, cooperation seems to be key. While most movie-to-game cashgrabs throw quality to the wind in order to release alongside a movie's theatrical release, GRIN opted to take its time with Wanted, a decision the exec described as a mutual choice between both the game studio and the film company.

"We had a choice to do it," recalled Anderson, "but we decided together with Universal that we shouldn't, just to be able to focus on the game and make something special. We'll make something that actually plays and is actually a game." As pearls of wisdom go, Anderson just opened a jewelry store. One we hope other companies shop at going forward.