Oddworld Inhabitants signs 'Stranger' with Electronic Arts

Oddworld Inhabitant's next title, provisionally titled 'Stranger' has been signed up by Electronic Arts and has been set a worldwide release date of 2005 for both PS2 and Xbox.

The game stars a western style bounty hunter, the Stranger, , "who chases outlaws throughout the enthralling new frontier of the Oddworld universe". The game itself will be "a combination of traditional genres" thought to include third person melee combat, as well as first person shooting, with Oddworld adding "their own unique twists to deliver a refreshingly new interactive experience".

Expect "award-winning visuals", and that "players will be moved by the complex and inspiring story as the Stranger comes to grips with his true nature in the hunt for the ultimate bounty". We await to be 'moved'.

According to Oddworld chief Lorne Lanning: ?Partnering with EA is a major win for us. Through EA?s first-rate publishing and marketing expertise, the expanded universe of Oddworld can reach millions of game fans and extend the reach of this distinctive series." Indeed - commercially this is a fantastic move for the developer after the relative commercial disappointment of Munch's Oddysee.

For EA it represents yet another high profile signing following recent deals with Criterion and Free Radical Design. The publisher has done exceptionally well in the last five years build such market dominance to such an extent that it find itself in a position where developers are almost queuing up to work with EA - mindful that the company's multi format policy, along with its marketing, retail and distribution clout give it the best possible chance of commercial success.

?Over the past 10 years, Oddworld has consistently elevated the creative bar in each of their titles, providing a rich and engrossing game experience. Oddworld Inhabitants represent the type of high quality developer with which we?re seeking to partner moving forward,? commented Greg Richardson, General Manager of EA Partners.

We hope to bring you more information on Oddworld's next title within the next few weeks.