I don't know about you folks, but I'd love to see a Tek Jansen video game. Thankfully, so would Prithvi Virasinghe, creative director at Comedy Central's internal game studio, the newly minted 345 Games. Virasinghe told me during an interview earlier this week that Tek Jansen, and the show "Colbert Report" from which it originates, are prime among his choices for a future game. But only if Mr. Colbert is into it, of course.
"I've honestly tried to do this many, many times," he said of concepts for a Colbert-themed game. "One of the ideas we had for Colbert was we wanted to do 'Colbert Quest,' which was kinda like an homage to the Police Quest or Space Quest games." Apparently his team at 345 even went as far as to put together a "design treatment" for "Colbert Quest," which he detailed by saying, "You're sort of in this world that's humor-based, that's kind of situational and quest-based, and it would have Colbert as some sort of overlord of this domain."
Unfortunately, "Colbert Quest" only made it so far before it was shot down by Comedy Central higher-ups. But while that specific concept may be out, Virasinghe isn't giving up so easily on a Colbert game. "He does have this other character, Tek Jansen, which would really make sense. There's so much stuff we could do with Tek -- if I got my hands on Tek, I'd have a ball."
Of course, all of this is dependent on how well 345 Games does with its current project, a game adaptation of monster-themed sitcom "Ugly Americans" set to launch later this summer. "Hopefully this game does well, it creates some breathing room for us to think a little bigger, and maybe even attract the Colberts into wanting to do something," Virasinghe explained.
So, what about it Stephen? You're on notice!
Reader Comments (21)
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:03PM blackangel209 said
Please, please let this happen. It would be one of the most epic games of all time.
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:06PM Dance Mofo said
Glad it didn't happen. Tek Jansen out to space and leave him there.
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:07PM Shockwave said
But the game would be too easy. Everyone would know just to make an army of bears to over-throw him.
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:08PM Courtney said
Your title ought to read "games that SHOULD be."
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:16PM copa said
@Courtney
Comedy is so hard to get right in games.
A Colbert game could be absolutely brilliant under the helm of an experienced artisan like Erik Wolpaw or Tim Schaffer.
But I'm worried that a small corporate studio like 345 is more likely to produce something awkward and unfunny.
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Comedy is so hard to get right in games.
A Colbert game could be absolutely brilliant under the helm of an experienced artisan like Erik Wolpaw or Tim Schaffer.
But I'm worried that a small corporate studio like 345 is more likely to produce something awkward and unfunny.
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:21PM whatisdelicious said
@copa The guy seems pretty invested in the article. I'd like to see what he can produce. Hopefully the rest of his team is as enthusiastic.
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Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:08PM AntsPai said
I would buy this if it were a PSN or XBLA game
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:14PM The Wicker Man said
No thanks, Tek is lame. I am still bitter about him leaving The Venture Bros. Instead of Richard Impossible I get Tek. :( that being said, I would love a game featuring the Colbert character. "For Unlawful Carnal Truthiness: A Pundit Adventure Game"...make it so.
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 7:13PM HighFiveJesus said
@The Wicker Man
He's also probably half the reason Harvey Birdman ended, since he did about 3 voices on the show.
Don't be bitter about venture bros, he's only 5 percent of why that show is incredible.
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He's also probably half the reason Harvey Birdman ended, since he did about 3 voices on the show.
Don't be bitter about venture bros, he's only 5 percent of why that show is incredible.
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 6:52PM Ezio Auditore da Firenze said
Ahh, I remember when Colbert was funny.
Oh wait, no I don't.
Oh wait, no I don't.
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 7:11PM HighFiveJesus said
@Ezio Auditore da Firenze
So you don't like john stewart OR stephen colbert. fine.
I mean they ARE no sean hannity, that's for sure!
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So you don't like john stewart OR stephen colbert. fine.
I mean they ARE no sean hannity, that's for sure!
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 7:21PM The Wicker Man said
@Ezio Auditore da Firenze Ezio aren't you still in highschool? I seem to recall you saying were in your teens some time back. Maybe you haven't developed a taste for the news and a love of satire? Or perhaps it just isn't your bag. Fair enough. ... ........ *high fives*
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Posted: Jul 13th 2011 9:51PM i am a guy said
@The Wicker Man hes funny if youre a liberal and you like that kind of humour, i guess. im not a big fan of him, but some of his stuff is pretty funny
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Posted: Jul 12th 2011 7:27PM The Wicker Man said
Agreed, Venture is one of the most enjoyable, bombastic comedies to ever grace the swim. Birdman was fun, but its pacing was so fast that it sometimes detracted from the gags. Also, I used bombastic in a vaguely serious way. That was the most exciting thing I've done all day. :'(
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Posted: Jul 12th 2011 7:26PM Tradio said
you must not read or watch the news in America, its every great democracy has many uninformed citizens such as yourself
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 7:34PM Qehb said
Fox stopped airing the show where I live (Ireland) and for some reason don't allow you to watch it online either.
It sucks. :(
It sucks. :(
Posted: Jul 12th 2011 9:20PM Scnew said
I would buy the shit out of Colbert Quest.
Posted: Jul 13th 2011 12:27AM Dooliss said
Colbert game=SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY
also, venture bros is great, as well as ATHF.
also, venture bros is great, as well as ATHF.
Posted: Jul 13th 2011 1:18AM RX3115 said
YOU NO PUT COLBERT ON NOTICE!
Posted: Jul 13th 2011 8:42AM TheBatman4141 said
What was that about getting your hands on Tek's balls??








