Buena Vista Games commits to Unreal Engine for next-gen titles

Announcing a multiple title licensing deal to use Epic's Unreal Engine, Disney's interactive entertainment division Buena Vista Games has confirmed that a new Turok game will be its first title to use the new technology.

Dusting off the fossils of now defunct publisher Acclaim, who previously published titles in the series, BVG secured the videogame publishing rights to the Turok comic book property from Classic Media in May.

"With the launch of the new console and handheld game platforms, we feel it is the perfect time to redefine Turok video games," said Graham Hopper, senior vice president and general manager, Buena Vista Games.

The new game will be the first of several (as yet unannounced) titles published by BVG on next generation consoles, forming part of the new licensing agreement with Epic Games. Vancouver-based development studio Propaganda Games will be responsible for creating Turok, and will be using Epic Games' award-winning Unreal Engine 3 technology platform.

"Licensing Unreal Engine 3 is a strategic move to provide cost-effective and timely delivery of new content, allowing our development teams to leverage the enormous capabilities of emerging next-generation systems," said Michael Ryder, vice president of worldwide production, Buena Vista Games.

"We have ambitious goals for the future and a strategy to enhance Buena Vista Games' position as a major force in interactive entertainment. BVG's intellectual properties, combined with Epic's leadership in underlying technology ensure the best game content for consumers," he added.

BVG joins a number of leading software developers and publishers who have licensed Epic's Unreal technology for the creation of both current and next generation software. Mark Rein, vice president and co-founder of Epic Games, said: "BVG has some awesome IP to work with and we feel privileged to contribute to its success."