"Say hello to my lil friend...."

For those of you who havent seen either of these flicks(in article below) - this one will fly right over you. For those who have: this is friggin awesome!!! I mean i thought i had an idea ..but really:

I recently organized a talk at here on campo for my fellow geeks where we had Dr. John Buchanan, video game guru and head research scientist at EA (guy was fired from his first job for playing video games believe it or not) come speak to fellow geeks about the future of the gaming industry. Brilliant guy and talk in general - I was pretty happy with the turn out too - but these guys (EA) have nailed it right on the head. His take? The future of gaming is in STORY TELLING .
The premise? the same elements that make good stories make great games. read on.

The late Brando to reprise 'Godfather' role on video game
Date: December 15, 2004
Source: AFP

LOS ANGELES, Dec 15 (AFP) - Hollywood legend Marlon Brando will reprise his Oscar-winning role as Don Vito Corleone in "The Godfather" in a new video game that will be released more than a year after his death. The Hollywood Reporter entertainment industry publication said Brando's likeness would take the lead role in a digital game based on the legendary mafia family's exploits to be released in the last quarter of 2005.

The game developed by Electronic Arts (EA) will be based on both Francis Ford Coppola's 1972 movie in which Brando starred and the original novel written by Mario Puzo, the Reporter said. The video game company acquired the rights to use Brando's image before his death of lung failure on July 1 and is working with Paramount Pictures on developing the product.

While few details about the game have been released, "The Godfather" will allow adult players to take on roles alongside Brando as members of the Corleone crime family.

As video games become increasingly sophisticated, companies including EA have bought licenses to major motion pictures in order to turn them into digital entertainment.

EA struck a similar deal with Warner Bros. for games based on the "Harry Potter" movies. And "The Godfather" marks the second major crime drama to find its way into the hands of game creators. Vivendi Universal Games is developing a game based on Brian De Palma's 1983 movie "Scarface."

With Al Pacino's "Scarface" character due to launch in North America at the same time as "The Godfather," drug lord Tony Montana will potentially be pitted against Don Corleone in a market share turf war.