Mark Androvich
19:50 (BST)
26/09/2007
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New racing IP for Activison, suggests analyst
Microsoft retains PGR rights
Responding to Activision's acquisition of Bizarre Creations, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter thinks that the developer will create a new multiplatform racing IP.
Although some have suggested that Project Gotham Racing may become a multiplatform title, Pachter pointed out that Microsoft owns the franchise.
A statement on Bizarre's website confirms that one of the two new AAA titles they are about to start working on is a racing game.
"Our future titles can be on whatever we please - we are a truly multiplatform studio now," the statement read. "Of course that doesn't mean that we'll be forced to make a port of every game to every console in existence... we simply have that option available to us."
Microsoft has not responded to requests for a comment on what the acquisition means for the future of the PGR series and which developer they might assign it to if they choose to continue.
"One would think that a new multiplaform racing IP could do 1.5 million units annually," Pachter said, "and a 100 person team should be able to get one game a year out."
"These guys are versatile and very good, and could conceivably create a lot of other content, based upon their prior success."
Pacther pointed to Geometry Wars, noting that the acquisition of Bizarre opens the door for Activision to participate in Xbox Live Arcade and the Wii Channel.
As to why Microsoft didn't purchase Bizarre Creations for itself, if, in fact, it didn't make an offer, Pachter suggested the company might not have wanted to acquire the developer after its experiences with Lionhead and Rare.
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