Majesco to publish The Darkness on next-gen consoles

US publisher Majesco has signed a deal to publish Swedish developer Starbreeze Studio's next offering on next generation consoles.

Entitled The Darkness, the game will be based around the comic books and forthcoming film of the same name and is scheduled for release in 2006.

The comic book series is already hugely popular, with each issue selling more than half a million copies worldwide. It follows the adventures of Jackie Estacado, a Mafia hitman who inherits a mystical suit of armour - named The Darkness - that gives him the power to command demons.

The game is being developed by Starbreeze, the studio previously responsible for PC and Xbox hit The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay. Non-linear first- and third-person gameplay is promised, along with online multiplayer matches. Paul Jenkins, who has written a wide range of comic books including an instalment in The Darkness series, will write the story and script.

"We are excited to have secured Starbreeze, a highly talented and respected team, to develop one of our first titles for the next generation of video game consoles," said Majesco president Jesse Sutton. "Combining the top-tier development talent and technology of Starbreeze with the compelling content of The Darkness comic book series provides a solid foundation for success."

Majesco will be demonstrating The Darkness at this year's E3, where they're expected to confirm that the game is in development for Xbox 2, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Revolution.