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MTV Launches New Gaming Studio

Posted April 7, 2011 by M.H. Williams

MTV Networks announced today the creation of a new studio, 345 Games, dedicated to adapting Comedy Central and Spike TV properties. The studio will partner with independent developers on certain projects in addition to receiving support from “the networks' creative talent” and “marketing, digital and publicity departments.”

The first title from 345 Games will be Deadliest Warrior: Legends, the sequel to Pipeworks Software's Deadliest Warrior for Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network. The original sold 400,000 copies across both platforms.

The next title will be an adaptation of a Comedy Central animated show. Ugly Americans: Apocalypsegeddon is due in August and will be a “four player co-op side-scroller shooter.” Both games will be released on XBLA and PSN for $10.

"Comedy Central and Spike TV squarely target the video game audience," said Dan Yang, 345 Games' general manager. "With the launch of 345 Games, we are tapping into the passionate fan base of both Comedy Central and Spike and creating an enhanced interactive experience based on our hit shows and brands."

This is an odd move for MTV Networks, as the company decided to sell Rock Band developer Harmonix late last year and leave the gaming industry. At that time, MTV even stated that, “The console games business requires an expertise and scale that we don't have.” Six months later, the company has decided to open another studio in that same business. Will MTV be more committed this time? 

[Via Gamasutra]

M.H. Williams has been writing in some form or another for ten years and has been a hardcore gamer since the NES first graced American shores.  You can catch him on Twitter as @AutomaticZen, Google+ as himself, or on his personal Facebook page.