Empire signs Big Mutha
Yes, it's a game, but who are we to deprive Empire of the silly headlines they so obviously crave?
Empire Interactive has signed the publishing rights to Big Mutha Truckers for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. The game is currently in development at Eutechnyx, whose racing game credentials include Le Mans 24 Hours and Formula One games for EA. The cheekily titled game gives the player control of an 18-wheel rig, with the emphasis on racing to build up a personal fortune. After the success of 18-Wheeler American Pro Trucker on the Dreamcast, a number of truck racers have sprung up, including Jester Interactive's Super Trucks. Big Mutha Truckers aims to be different by focusing on the stereotypical image of the American trucker, which apparently includes running into biker gangs, corrupt sheriffs and "even their own redneck siblings" [I take it Empire isn't the US publisher? - Ed]. Describing Big Mutha Truckers as a "unique concept", Empire CEO Ian Higgins let slip that the company is "aiming for a Christmas launch in Europe".