EA talks next-gen RPG
Called Project Gray Company.
EA Redwood Shores is developing a next-generation role-playing game currently going by the working title Project Gray Company.
Although specifics about target platforms, setting, characters and, well, gameplay in any real sense remain elusive, EA's launched a website where it talks about the open-ended nature of the game, how it simulates a world based on technology used by The Sims 2 developer Maxis, and how it wants the "community" to get involved through the website forum.
"The action takes place in a massive open world where you can go anywhere you want, and the characters in this world are powered by an incredible simulation based on the same technology used by the makers of The Sims 2," says executive producer Steve Gray.
"The story of the game is built around a series of Story Quests. You can choose to follow specific Story Quests, embark on a range of other types of quests, or set off on your own adventures in the massive open world environment."
In a video diary posted on the site, creative director Chris Tremmel says the website will be updated with more information and video interviews with key staff over the course of the next 18 months. As things become more clear, the team wants input from gamers interested in the project. "We want to know what you guys want in an RPG, and we're here to listen," says Tremmel.
The website also plays host to a bit of concept art, although for now that's roughly your lot. Meanwhile, IGN speculates the game may be a new Lord of the Rings title - partly because both Gray and Tremmel worked on Lord of the Rings RPG The Third Age, and also because "Gray Company" is a chapter title in Return of the King - specifically the bit where Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli get friendly and green with the undead in a cave (or so we remember).
During his video segment, Tremmel also rhapsodises about the project artwork, some of which you can see on the site, and it certainly has an air of Tolkien about it. It's a good thing you can see it on the site, too - maybe it's just our PC, but in the video we checked out the art was reduced to a bunch of colourful blobs.
Check the website for more. The "Sound off" button is in the top-right.