Ubisoft Massive has announced that a new Avatar game based on James Cameron’s film franchise is currently being developed. As part of the announcement, a teaser video was released by the studio; however, gameplay footage is yet to be seen.
Details on the upcoming Avatar game
Known for its work in the open world third-person shooter The Division, Ubisoft Massive will be using its own game engine, Snowdrop, for the new Avatar game. It will be released for PC and yet-to-be-named consoles.
Details on the new Avatar game are scarce, but what’s known as of now is that the game will be set in Pandora from the movie series.
The film franchise is up for four sequels, and Ubisoft said that it is working with Lightstorm Entertainment, Cameron’s film production outfit, as well as Fox Interactive.
The teaser video for the new Avatar title includes commentary from the Oscar-winning director, as well as from Ubisoft Massive developers. It is described as being "cutting-edge," although everything in the video is from 2009’s Avatar and not the new game.
James Cameron and Ubisoft: enthusiastic on the new Avatar title
"James Cameron and Lightstorm Entertainment changed the way we think about immersive storytelling with the first Avatar, and the ambition that they have for the forthcoming films and this game is really inspiring," David Polfeldt, Ubisoft Massive’s managing director said.
"It's a privilege to work with them and we're honored that they've entrusted us to create an experience worthy of the Avatar name."
The endeavor marks the second time Ubisoft wades the waters of Cameron’s blockbuster hit. In 2009, the studio released its first Avatar-based game as a prequel to the film. It was released for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PC.
Ubisoft suggested the Avatar game to Lightstorm and Cameron with an “early game prototype.” However, the studio did not disclose what the nature of the prototype is. In the teaser video however, the critically acclaimed director sounds excited.
A release window for the new Avatar title hasn’t been announced yet. For the Avatar films, however, all four are being filmed at the same time, with production set to commence in August this year.
