Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

[Aaenuel]

At the end of 2004 Take Two Interactive purchased the company that developed the "Rocky Legends" game. This company, called Venom Games (www.venomgames.co.uk), has this posted on the front of their website:

"Formed from Rage’s Newcastle Studio in 2003 and comprising most of the team who created the successful “Rocky” game on Xbox and PS2 we then went on to develop “Rocky Legends” for Ubisoft under the Venom Games banner. Recently, we became part of the Take 2 Interactive group of companies as part of their new 2K Games brand.

Already a very experienced team, many with over 10 years experience in the industry, Venom are now looking to recruit talented and enthusiastic people from all aspects of game development as we gear up for the challenge of developing our next, truly “next generation” sports title."


I would love to see another company take a shot at developing a realistic boxing title. Hopefully that is just what Take Two/Venom are planning.

[DaveDQ]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

Thanks for the info. I too would love to see someone else, especially Take Two get into making a boxing title. With what they did with the ESPN Leagues, that would be a blast.

[luv_mist]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

Just noticed this and I'm so glad for this effort. Just wonder what they can get to counter that fighting stick thing that Fight Night has. So many possibilities. I'm looking for real though. If they have that, then I'm giving money. Simple as that....

[Kanobi]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

I'm interested to see what type of roster they expect to have since EA has almost every notewrothy boxer under license (theres that word again). Personally, I go all the way back to Punch-Out and Ring King (loved the green afro) on NES. So I have no problem whatsoever playing a next-gen game with generic fighters if the game has depth, high replay value, and the overall concept and execution of the game is more sim-oriented than the competition.

[Mowork]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

I'm interested to see what type of roster they expect to have since EA has almost every notewrothy boxer under license (theres that word again). Personally, I go all the way back to Punch-Out and Ring King (loved the green afro) on NES. So I have no problem whatsoever playing a next-gen game with generic fighters if the game has depth, high replay value, and the overall concept and execution of the game is more sim-oriented than the competition.

Oh man, Ring King is one of my all time favorite games!! I agree with you, just do generic fighters and get the sim aspects down and I'm all over it...

[luv_mist]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

Licenses are overrated. I think that a lot of potential can come out of the game if they focus less on getting real-life boxers and get the gameplay working great. It's hard to get good interpretations nowadays in terms of great games with great gameplay. Just crossing my fingers on this one for real.

[videobastard]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

I believe take two would make a great boxing game. They could have tyson in their game along with others that ea didn't have in fight night.

[Pared]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

Licenses are overrated. I think that a lot of potential can come out of the game if they focus less on getting real-life boxers and get the gameplay working great. It's hard to get good interpretations nowadays in terms of great games with great gameplay. Just crossing my fingers on this one for real.

I don't agree licenses are over-rated, especially to the masses.

If you had the choice, would go see your favorite NBA, MLB, or NFL, or the local nobody's playing the sport?

You have to see it that same way. Brand recognition does a LOT. Maybe you can see passed it, but the general public can not. That has proven through marketing firm research.

If it wasn't valuable, firms wouldn't put so much emphasis behind it. I.E. B/c of the Starbucks name alone they've been able to branch off into many different areas, not just coffee.

[metalslug]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

They will need some real fighters in the game if they want the casual fan to look at it. Their best bet is to after the guys that EA doesn't have yet but are still known and popular, such as Spinks, Judah, Wright, Tarver, and Johnson just to name a few. If they could get those guys and the gameplay down right then not only could this be a great game but it could also sell well because it would have some the best fresh talent and not just the same old boxers every year.

[Aaenuel]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

I checked Venom Games' website today to see if maybe they had updated anything for E3. Their website has changed a little bit.

They no longer have a background of boxing gloves on their page. They have, however, added the 2K Sports label. They have also fleshed out the job positions they are available. At this point they could be developing anything, but I am going to hold out hope that it will be a boxing game.

[Aaenuel]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

BOOYA! Taken from the 2K Sports job website:

"Training -
In addition to duties listed above, interns will have a seat at all marketing department team meetings (these occur every 10 days) where you will gain exposure to all functions within the 2K Sports marketing department including: Product Marketing, PR, Promotion, Music Licensing, Web, and Channel Marketing. Our company was recently acquired by Take2 (Rockstar Games/Grand Theft Auto) and we are expanding our sport categories to include snowboarding, tennis, poker, boxing, and golf. This is a great opportunity."

[Vince]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

They will need some real fighters in the game if they want the casual fan to look at it. Their best bet is to after the guys that EA doesn't have yet but are still known and popular, such as Spinks, Judah, Wright, Tarver, and Johnson just to name a few

I'm preety sure Tarver was in Fight Night Round 2.

[JayBee74]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

Licenses are overrated. I think that a lot of potential can come out of the game if they focus less on getting real-life boxers and get the gameplay working great. It's hard to get good interpretations nowadays in terms of great games with great gameplay. Just crossing my fingers on this one for real.

In total agreement on that. I'm a big boxing fan, but care little about real life boxers in video boxing games. I'd like to see what a real boxing sim plays like (they haven't made one yet) but I love the arcade play of Rocky Legends, although there is room for much improvement.

[JayBee74]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

I don't agree licenses are over-rated, especially to the masses.

If you had the choice, would go see your favorite NBA, MLB, or NFL, or the local nobody's playing the sport?

That's not a good(or average) analogy, because being a spectator of a sport or a fan of a particular major sports team, doesn't compare with a video game competition. Besides, generic teams or boxers aren't going to be nobodys in the video game world you have created-they will be the best of best.

[luv_mist]

Re: Take Two taking a stab at boxing games on next-gen systems?

I see the golf thing in there too which really is turning me on. Okay, we have the tennis so far. I'm sure that the boxing and golf will be next-gen only titles. Still, maybe not. Oh, I am so eager to see these things pop up. With boxing, I think they could pull of a good franchise and have a great create-a-boxer that would carry the game further than any boxers probably would. Has to have good ratings and reviews. Also, I thought of just having old boxers in there. I know that Ali is in but can't he be used in other games too? Another thing. Are those exclusive licenses or just licenses to use boxing characters within a game? I just thought about that. Could be similar to what we see with the NBA and stuff where it's "free" for all...