Ghost Rider confirmed for 2K Games

2K Games has confirmed that it will definitely be publishing comic book inspired Ghost Rider on next-gen platforms, following the acquisition of premium titles from troubled publisher Majesco Entertainment.

Currently in development for console and handheld platforms by MotoGP developer Climax Group, the game is based on the classic comic book and Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios' forthcoming movie adaptation, and is scheduled for release to coincide with the film's debut in early 2007.

2K Games announced in March that it would be publishing Starbreeze Studio's The Darkness on next-gen consoles, but made no official announcement regarding Ghost Rider at that time. However, the rights to both titles were acquired from Majesco Entertainment in an USD 8 million deal last December, as the financially struggling publisher announced the sale of all rights and obligations related to the games in an effort to recoup some of its substantial losses.

Majesco has since announced its exit from the premium games market, intending to focus instead on budget and handheld software titles amidst efforts to weather the current financial storm and put the company back on solid ground.

Whilst The Darkness is based solely on the comic book series, Ghost Rider also ties in with the forthcoming movie starring Nicholas Cage, but promises a faithful recreation of the iconic character for Marvel fans, offering "an immersive, supernatural third person world with a seamless blend of hand-to-hand combat and high-speed motorcycle action."

2k Games' managing director, Christoph Hartmann, commented: "Ghost Rider is one of Marvel Comics' most successful comic book franchises and we're thrilled to bring this beloved series to a broader audience. The video game will build upon the popular elements from the Ghost Rider franchise and intertwine its thrilling action and original, compelling content into a gaming experience fans will love."