Joystiq

Closure for Spector: 'Junction Point had a good eight year run'

David Hinkle — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST

In an interview with GI.biz, Warren Spector says he has no regrets in the decision to sell his Junction Point studio to Disney in 2007. "Being part of Disney had its ups and downs - what doesn't? - but the last seven years gave me the very best experiences of my professional Life. Seriously. The very, very best. The opposite is true, too, but let's not go there. I want to remember only the good times."

As for the studio's eventual closure and uneven commercial success, Spector had this to say: "I don't really understand it, but it is what it is. Junction Point had a good eight year run. We built a great team. We worked on a bunch of cool stuff, even if a lot of it didn't see the light of day (Sleeping Giants... Ninja Gold... some other stuff I can't talk about). And we shipped two triple-A titles which, Metacritic notwithstanding, sold better than any games I've ever worked on and about which I received more - and more heartfelt - fan mail than I've ever received. I'm good with all that."

Spector founded Junction Point Studios in 2005. It's best known for producing two Epic Mickey games, the most recent release selling 529,000 copies in the US according to NDP data released in late-January 2013. On the same day the aforementioned sales figures were revealed, Disney shuttered the studio.

Closure for Spector: 'Junction Point had a good eight year run' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013

Jordan Mallory — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST

Despite revenues of $291 million during the three month period ending December 29, 2012, Disney Interactive's remaining $9 million in operating revenue (read: pre-tax profit) made it the entertainment giant's least profitable division during the first quarter of the fiscal 2013.

Still, this was a marked increase over Disney Interactive's Q1 2012 performance, where it posted a loss of $28 million. Being back in black is even more impressive when you consider Interactive's reported an operating loss of $42 million just last August, making it Disney's only unprofitable sector at the time.

Disney attributes this year's growth to improved performance in its social gaming businesses in the Japanese market, where a new licensing agreement has increased the amount of Disney-branded hardware and software.

Of course, Disney's financial report made no mention of Junction Point or its sordid fate, but that's to be expected since the studio's closure technically happened during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. We may gain some new insight into that situation during the next round of quarterlies, but for now, all we've got to go on is Mickey's increasing popularity in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Disney Interactive was Disney's least profitable branch in Q1 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees

Sinan Kubba — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST

Separate from the closure of Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the developers of the Epic Mickey series, 50 more employees reportedly lost their jobs at Disney Interactive yesterday, according to the LA Times. The paper's source is "a knowledgeable person not authorized to discuss the matter publicly."

Disney Interactive Studios endured huge layoffs across 2011, including the closure of Split/Second developer Black Rock. We've reached out to Disney Interactive Studios for comment on today's report.

We learned yesterday Epic Mickey 2 sold 529,000 copies in the US during 2012, with that return on investment certainly sealing the deal on Junction Point's closure. Since then, Epic Mickey creator and Junction Point founder Warren Spector posted a public goodbye to his studio on Facebook, which we've printed in full after the break.

Spector was effusive in his farewell to Junction Point, saying he's rarely worked with a "team more dedicated or harder working." While he noted the games "polarized" critics and fans, Spector said he's never been part of anything as deeply touching as his Epic Mickey series.

Will the man behind Deus Ex be back? "Let just say, now it's time to move to the next adventure," Spector wrote. "I honestly don't know what that will be yet, so don't ask."

Continue reading Report: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees

Report: Disney video game division lays off 50 employees originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two life-to-date sales 529K in US

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST

Disney's multiplatform Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two sold 529,000 units over November and December of 2012 in the United States, according to new data provided by the NPD group. Joystiq was also informed that sales of Epic Mickey 2, plus Nintendo 3DS title Disney Epic Mickey: The Power of Illusion, across North America reached 695,000 units over the same period. An unconfirmed report previously pegged Epic Mickey 2's sales at 270,000 copies.

Disney Epic Mickey developer Junction Point Studios was closed today, with the House of Mouse noting it was due to an ongoing effort to address fast-evolving gaming platforms and the marketplace.

Junction Point was the last studio standing of Disney's previous attempt to break into the triple-A "core" market, with many studios lost along the way, including the critically acclaimed Pure and Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios. Disney has readjusted its sights and is now developing Disney Infinity.

Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two life-to-date sales 529K in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney closes Epic Mickey developer Junction Point

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:43:00 EST

Warren Spector's Junction Point studio, developer of Epic Mickey and Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, was shuttered today by Disney. In a statement provided to Joystiq, Disney states that the move is part of its ongoing effort to address the fast-evolving gaming platforms and marketplace.

"It was with much sadness that we informed our teams today of changes to our Games organization, which include the closure of Junction Point Studios," a Disney spokesperson informed us. "We're extremely grateful to Warren Spector and the Junction Point team for their creative contributions to Disney with Disney Epic Mickey and Disney Epic Mickey 2."

Disney's Epic Mickey 2 was a critical and commercial failure for the company, reportedly selling 270,000 copies in North America by the end of last year.

Update: New information provided places Epic Mickey 2 sales at 529,000 copies in US since November 2012 launch.

Disney closes Epic Mickey developer Junction Point originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Disney shutters Epic Mickey developer Junction Point

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:14:00 EST

Warren Spector's Junction Point studio has reportedly been shut down by Disney. The word comes from Austin-neighbor Roberts Space Industries, who tweeted, "Second 21 gun salute for a studio in 7 days. Fare-the-well Junction Point! We hope that you all find new studios soon!"

We've reached out to Disney for an official statement.

Industry veteran George Broussard notes, "The Junction Point rumors have been circulating a while. Warning signs when you give employees 2 months off after shipping."

Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two was not a critical nor financial win for Disney, reportedly selling 270,000 copies in North America by the end of 2012.

Update: Roberts Space Industries has deleted its previous tweet stating it has "no insider info" on Junction Point's status. Oddly, the site it sources as having provided the info links back to the exact same tweet from RSI regarding the shut down. Disney corporate communications has still not responded to numerous requests for comment.

Update 2: Disney confirms closure.

Rumor: Disney shutters Epic Mickey developer Junction Point originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hit List Q&A: Warren Spector, Creative Director and Founder of Junction Point

Joystiq Staff — Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST

In the "Hit List" from the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, the video game industry's top talents describe their current gaming addictions, their most anticipated releases and more. This week: Junction Point's Warren Spector.

Warren Spector, veteran electronic game designer/producer, heads up video game developer Junction Point Studios, a division of Disney Interactive. Warren has worked in the game industry since 1983. After six years at Steve Jackson Games and TSR, creating pen-and-paper games, he joined computer game developer Origin Systems where he produced several games including Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss, Ultima Underworld 2: Labyrinth of Worlds, System Shock, Ultima VII: Part 2, Serpent Isle, Wings of Glory, Bad Blood, Ultima Worlds of Adventure: Martian Dreams, Cybermage and others.

After seven years with Origin, Warren did a brief stint with LookingGlass Technologies before founding Ion Storm's Austin, Texas studio in 1997. At Ion Storm, he produced and directed the award-winning, genre-bending Deus Ex. He later oversaw development of Deus Ex: Invisible War, released in 2003, and Thief: Deadly Shadows, released in 2004. That year, he left Ion Storm to found Junction Point Studios, developing concepts for a variety of video game and motion picture partners before being acquired, in 2007, by The Walt Disney Company. There he directed Disney Epic Mickey, released in 2010. A sequel, Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, was released in November 2012.

In his forthcoming 2013 D.I.C.E. Summit session, Warren will be speaking on "Hey, You kids! Get Outta My Yard! or The Graying of Gaming."

"Used to be, games were largely the domain of youngsters - kids played them and 'kids' (relatively speaking) made them," Spector says. "Nowadays, things are different. Gamers are everywhere, coming in all ages and genders, and developers have grown up, too. In this talk, I will address the impact of aging on gamers, on developers and on our medium. How does the graying of gaming affect Game Content, Player Commitment, Design Philosophy, Gaming Platforms, Mainstream Media Interactions and, generally speaking, The Future. This talk will be a personal look backwards and forwards that will, I hope, offer something for kids and adults, boys and girls, men and women, whatever their relationship may be with games as pastime, as art or as business."

Continue reading Hit List Q&A: Warren Spector, Creative Director and Founder of Junction Point

Hit List Q&A: Warren Spector, Creative Director and Founder of Junction Point originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spector still wants Epic Mickey HD, needs your help

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST

Warren Spector, long-term industry survivor and creative director of Disney's Junction Point Studios, still wants to do a high definition version of Wii-exclusive Epic Mickey for other consoles.

"It's been about four or five days since I've asked to get that project greenlit. It's not my call to make. I can't even tell you how much I want to see the first game with all the enhancements and improvements we've made on Xbox 360 and PS3," Spector told us today at Gamescom. "Just have all of your readers send emails to Disney corporation and say: 'Warren should make this game.'"

Spector told us there are two things he very much wants: "I want to make a duck game and I want to see Epic Mickey on next-gen platforms."

But this is Warren Spector we're talking about. Can't he just wave a magical paintbrush and make his dreams come true? He may not have his duck game, but he's got his duck comic.

"There's only so much clout," he admitted. "When you're talking about the kind of money games cost now, there's only so much you can do."

Well, what we can do is just slide the Disney Twitter over to you fine folks reading and you can decide whether to let them know if you want Epic Mickey on HD consoles.

Spector still wants Epic Mickey HD, needs your help originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic Mickey 2 dev diary illustrates the power of characters

David Hinkle — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:30:00 EST

Oswald isn't just a lucky rabbit in Epic Mickey 2 - he owns one of the best inventions we've ever seen, a remote control that turns foe into friend. If only we had that back in middle school! We could've avoided so many swirlies.

Epic Mickey 2 dev diary illustrates the power of characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Interactive is only division running at a loss

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST

The Walt Disney Company saw the largest earnings in the company's history for the quarter ending June 30, which is all sunshine and lollipops until you get down to the interactive (games) division. A year after gutting nearly all its core projects - and shuttering all core studios except Epic Mickey studio Junction Point (under the protection of Warren Spector) - the interactive division is the only part of the conglomerate operating at a loss.

Sales during the quarter were down 22 percent from the same period last year to $196 million, with an operating loss of $42 million, which is better than the $86 million loss last year. The improvement is thanks to social games. The company is still in an "ongoing shift from console games to social and other interactive platforms."

There is one exception to that: Junction Point's Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two, which will be available this November. Hopefully, sales of the sequel will let the House of Mouse continue to show leniency toward Junction Point.

Disney Interactive is only division running at a loss originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen'

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST

Epic Mickey's first foray was a Wii-exclusive affair. This time around, Junction Point is bringing Mickey's epic-ness to what it's calling "next-gen consoles." We might call them "7-year-old consoles," but, well, Mickey's best bud is from 1920, so we can appreciate the anachronism at play here.

Epic Mickey 2 and 'The Power of Next Gen' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Epic Mickey 2 making a splash on PC and Mac

David Hinkle — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST

In addition to debuts on the Xbox 360 and PS3, and a 3DS spinoff, Epic Mickey: The Power of Two is apparently taking a steamboat ride to the PC and Mac. During a London preview event, Junction Point representatives told GameSpy that PC and Mac versions were planned.

We were able to check out the upcoming sequel at a recent Disney event -- all of our coverage can be seen through this handy link. We suggest you check out the prototype Wii controllers because oh man they are so adorable!

We've contacted Disney to confirm the PC and Mac ports. Stay tuned.

Report: Epic Mickey 2 making a splash on PC and Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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See Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words

JC Fletcher — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST

In the foreground of this video, you see Warren Spector talking about Oswald's role in Epic Mickey 2, and his enthusiasm for musicals; in the background, you can see footage of the new game for the first time. The two elements cooperate, just like Mickey and Oswald.

See Epic Mickey 2 in motion and in Warren Spector's words originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two' coming to Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360

JC Fletcher — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST

Yes, there's a sequel to Disney Epic Mickey. A tweet from Geoff Keighley first confirmed the title (of a game his show will reveal on TV as a "world premiere") as Disney Epic Mickey (2): The Power of Two. Then a piece from the AP went ahead and confirmed everything else.

It's coming out for Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360, and features drop-in, drop-out co-op play with Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Oswald is AI-controlled when another person is not around, and can be controlled at any time by a second player, who then wields Oswald's "remote" ability to control electricity.

Other new developments for this now-official game include full voice acting, including the first voice work for Oswald in Disney history. That voice acting will be used to make the game a for-real musical. "I'm such a geek about musicals," Junction Point studio head Warren Spector told the AP. "I love the co-op and next-gen stuff, but for me, when a character breaks into song, which they do on a regular basis in this game, it's magic."

[Image: the original Epic Mickey]

'Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two' coming to Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST

Some kind of "presentation" of Epic Mickey 2 will occur next week, according to a tweet from France's Nintendo Magazine. Being a Nintendo magazine, the publication specifically highlights a 3DS version called "Power of Illusion" - a name that recalls classic Mickey games like World of Illusion and Castle of Illusion. The tweet also points to a "classic" 2D game that will be shown during next week's event, but stops short of providing any actual details.

A sequel to 2010's Epic Mickey has been rumored for some time, to the extent that box art for the game has even been bandied about by a marketing survey. Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios, the development house behind Epic Mickey, was hit by layoffs last January after the Wii-exclusive title launched, likely due to massive losses in Disney's interactive (read: games) department.

Update: Disney Interactive declined to comment, saying it had "no information to share at this time."

Rumor: Epic Mickey 2 coming to 3DS, along with 'classic' 2D game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST

Beyond Disney Interactive's layoffs today at Junction Point and last week's closure of Propaganda Games, sources tell Joystiq that the division's job cuts go much deeper. We've been informed in this "first round" of layoffs that 250 people have been let go.

Numerous attempts to obtain an official statement from Disney have gone unanswered. There is currently no word on the overall status of Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios nor Warren Spector's Junction Point, which recently released Disney Epic Mickey, a title we've been told has not sold as well as expected. Sources also tell us that the fate of Spector could be separate from that of the studio.

Massive changes at the division have come at a steady clip ever since Disney bought social game developer Playdom for upwards of $563.2 million. Then there was the double-barreled resignation of longtime boss Graham Hopper and bigwig Steve Wadsworth. It is currently the era of James Pitaro and former Playdom CEO John Pleasants, who are seeking not to repeat the division's $234 million loss this fiscal year.

Update: Disney's terse official statement: "As part of setting a strategic direction for future success in the digital media space, the Disney Interactive Media Group today began a restructuring process"

Disney Interactive implements mass layoffs; status of Junction Point, Black Rock currently unknown originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST

Despite a number six debut on December's NPD charts, Epic Mickey apparently can't save Junction Point Studios from post-launch staff cuts. Sources speaking with Joystiq confirm that Disney Interactive issued layoffs at the Warren Spector-helmed studio today, though exact numbers are unknown -- we've contacted Disney for comment, but we imagine those plans for sequels to Epic Mickey aren't looking so solid right now.

Following last week's closure of Disney Interactive-owned Propaganda Games, today's layoffs represent further steps back for the publisher in terms of "core" game development endeavors, and, we fear, may not be the last of Disney's cuts. Disney also owns Split/Second developer Black Rock Studios, and most recently acquired social game developer Playdom.

Update: Layoffs hit entire Disney Interactive division.

[Image credit: Flickr user 'junctionpoint']

Source: Epic Mickey dev suffering layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST

The latest Disney Epic Mickey trailer shows developer Junction Point diving into the Disney archives for game ideas and feeling overwhelmed by the rich content. Is this the first time we've been excited for a history lesson?

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives

Disney Epic Mickey trailer dives into the Disney archives originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST

Disney Epic Mickey has a heavy emphasis on storytelling. If the seven minutes of previously released cutscenes didn't already bang that over your head like an Acme anvil (mixed cartoon metaphor), here's Junction Point's Warren Spector to tell you more.

Continue reading Disney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story

Disney Epic Mickey trailer goes behind story originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Epic Mickey is the strong, silent type (of cartoon mouse)

JC Fletcher — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST

When Mickey Mouse makes his triumphant return to the world stage in Disney Epic Mickey, he'll do so without his trademark squeaky voice. The mouse will still speak in the game, but all speech will be rendered as text bubbles. And it's not a technical limitation, but an artistic one.

"I made the creative decision that characters wouldn't talk in the Cartoon Wasteland," Warren Spector explained to The Cut Scene. "It was entirely a creative decision because [he begins speaking in a high-pitched Mickey voice] As soon as I start doing this, I've lost most of my potential audience. [resumes natural voice] If I'm trying to re-introduce this character to an audience, there are certain connotations with that voice that I'm going to have a hard time overcoming." When he does speak in a future game, he'll probably be an affable Everyman voiced by Nolan North (our guess).

Oswald, Spector said, won't need much consideration, due not only to his relative unfamiliarity to modern audiences, but also due to the properties of the character itself. "If you watch the existing cartoons," Spector said, "he's such a special character. In many ways, he's a funnier, more cartoon-y, more modern guy than Mickey is."

Gallery: Disney Epic Mickey

Epic Mickey is the strong, silent type (of cartoon mouse) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game Informer analyzes Epic Mickey screenshots

Xav de Matos — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST

In a new feature titled "Anatomy of a Screenshot," Game Informer dissects in-game screens and details the situations found within. The first title to receive the treatment is the recently revealed -- but long rumored -- Epic Mickey, from Warren Spector and Disney. The screen above details the upcoming Wii-exclusive title's heads-up display (HUD), showcasing Mickey's "persona" status, special items and details on the world around the classic Disney hero.

Also, it points out Mickey's "iconic" ears ... you know, in case you missed them.

Game Informer analyzes Epic Mickey screenshots originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Disney Interactive posts 20 percent losses in third quarter, citing bad economy

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST

Businesses don't adhere to the same rules we silly humans do; the cycle of the Earth around the sun, for instance. Disney Interactive Media Group is no exception, posting its quarter three financial results -- the quarter that ends in June, folks -- just this week. According to Gamasutra, revenue dropped by $29 million year over year, which company CEO Robert A. Iger said during a conference call was due to "adverse economic conditions."

Though Iger didn't specifically spell it out, we would imagine that investing in the development of multiple major titles in Split/Second and, um ... whatever it is that Warren Spector's working on at Junction Point isn't helping with the money intake either. The CEO is positive about the future, but remains worried about the current economy, saying, "We do see signs of economic stabilization, but the pace and strength of recovery remain uncertain and we are managing accordingly." We're guessing it's a bad time to ask for those free passes to Epcot?

Disney Interactive posts 20 percent losses in third quarter, citing bad economy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Artist resume reveals Wii plan for Warren Spector's 'Epic Mickey' [update 2: now with even more concept art!]

JC Fletcher — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST

[Update 2: NeoGAF user cuyahoga has dug up more conceptual drawings for Epic Mickey from yet another artist, Gary Glover, who lists Junction Point Studios as one of his clients. His drawings (added to the gallery) appear to depict various lands from Disney's themeparks using the established steampunk / dystopian look of the game, suggesting that it may be broken up into these themed "worlds."

[Update: superannuation found concept art labeled "Epic Mickey" on the site of artist Fred Gambino! Have a look in the gallery -- if this is what the game looks like, with its rickety machine characters and post-apocalyptic Magic Kingdom, we are in. "Y"? Because we like it.]

More evidence has appeared for the existence of Epic Mickey, the "steampunk" Mickey Mouse game from Warren Spector's Junction Point Studios. Artist Tony Pulham lists his work as a concept artist on the project, which is described as a "Wii Video Game." The fact that Pulham started at Junction Point in June suggests that the game hasn't been canceled yet!

Of course, it could appear on other platforms, but at least we know now that one of the platforms in the works is Nintendo's, which is appropriate for a game rumored to be Disney's latest attempt at a Mario-style game.

Gallery: Epic Mickey concept art

[Via superannuation]

Artist resume reveals Wii plan for Warren Spector's 'Epic Mickey' [update 2: now with even more concept art!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turncoat! Warren Spector developing for casual audience

Ross Miller — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Business

"How dare he abandon us?" you may scream into your monitor (and later into your favorite pillow). Warren Spector, developer of core gamer classics such as Thief and Deus Ex, is working for the mainstream audience. In a Forbes article about casual gaming's increasing influence, Spector said, "I don't believe I'm compromising on my gameplay ideals at all. [But] any artist who doesn't want his or her work in front of the largest audience possible is nuts."

Spector's "shift" shouldn't come as a surprise. For starters, we know his company, the Disney-owned Junction Point Studios, is currently working on a Pixar collaboration. He also intimated his desire for more mainstream development at the Games Education Summit in June.

"I'm sure a lot of the hardcore folks are going to be up in arms and I'm really looking forward to getting into that discussion with them," he said, later adding that he feels the hardcore genre is "completely safe" but "less relevant to major publishers" -- Cliff Bleszinki can breathe a sigh of relief. What we're wondering, now more than ever, is what's going on with the untitled fantasy project we haven't heard about since June 2007.

[Via MCV]

Turncoat! Warren Spector developing for casual audience originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spector's Junction Point working on Disney / Pixar collaboration

Christopher Grant — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Business

Almost exactly one year after announcing that Disney Interactive Studios acquired his Junction Point Studios at last year's E3, Warren Spector - the famed game designer with his hands on everything from System Shock to Thief to Deus Ex - announced via his blog that his studio's first project will in fact be a "collaboration with folks from Disney Feature Animation and Pixar." He's not ready to say anymore (though he did say that he would "say nothing" just before telling us about the Disney / Pixar info) but we're holding out for some sort of announcement at E3 this week. Movie tie-in? New video game IP developed by Pixar and Disney? He's not telling!

[Via Nukoda]

Spector's Junction Point working on Disney / Pixar collaboration originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spector: 100-hour games are out

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

Junction Point's Warren Spector, best known for Deus Ex, spoke last week at the Game Education Summit in Dallas and expressed his belief that 100-hour games are on the way out. Gamasutra reports Spector expressed being tired of making games about "guys in black leather carrying guns," and that expectations for titles costing between $35 - 100 million are huge. He also pondered how many people actually finished GTA, noting a desire that players see the last level if he was going to spend $100 million on a game.

Not that he thinks going casual is the answer. He fears that the casual field is now "really crowded" and that competition, despite being in a considerably cheaper development field, is just as tough. The point Spector made is that it all comes down to a company differentiating itself from the pack. On that note, we'll hopefully hear soon -- like during E3 -- how Spector's Disney-owned studio, Junction Point, plans on doing just that.

Spector: 100-hour games are out originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector talks retirement, Deus Ex 3, selling out

Scott Jon Siegel — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Adventure, Business

He's got at least three more games under his belt, and yet Warren Spector is already planning his exit strategy, according to a recent interview with Eurogamer. The 52-year-old game designer believes that he will work on a maximum of five more games during his career, "more likely probably three given how long they take."

In the interview, Spector also discusses Deux Ex 3, which will be the first of the series which Spector will have no input on. Although he has not been in direct contact with developer Eidos Montreal, Spector expresses concern over the Deus Ex franchise, claiming it to be "delicate" and hoping that the third title might in some way correct some of the mistakes made in Deus Ex: Invisible War.

Though no details are given about Spector's newest project -- which is being developed for Junction Studios owner Disney -- Spector does state that the hardcore gaming community will undoubtedly lash out in response to the eventual announcement, and he anticipates claims that he has sold out. According to Spector, it will be "glorious. Just glorious."

Warren Spector talks retirement, Deus Ex 3, selling out originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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