Ghostbusters: The Video Game Confirmed for 2009!

Posted by dominie in Films, Games, News on November 11th, 2008

The Ghostbusters have definitely come alive again. Currently writers Gene Stupnisky and Lee Eisenberg from The Office are working on the screenplay. No pressure, but Seth Rogen who’s been linked to a role in the sequel has already openly announced he will turn down the role if he isn’t impressed with the script reports Wenn. Rogen tells Collider.com, “At first hearing [about a sequel] sounds like the worst idea ever. I mean, that would have to be one motherf**king good script.”

To add to this (though probably not much), Bill Murray, who is able to finally speak about Ghostbusters 3 thanks to the below mentioned Atari Ghostbusters: The Video Game that he provided his voice for, says he will only return for the third film if the script is funny enough. At the very least, he has given his blessing for the third film, tell MTV, “I think a fresh look at it will be fine. I hope they go back to the original version.”

Now for the news you’re all waiting for. Kotaku confirms that Atari has officially picked up Ghostbusters: The Video Game for 2009. Fans in fear the video game would never see the light of day can rest assured. Expect a worldwide release on six game systems!

Originally the video game was to set foot in the market late this month, however the new date (and better than none at all) seems very fitting—2009 marks the 25th anniversary of the original 1984 Ghostbusters movie. Ghostbusters: The Video Game, written and directed by Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd, will take place two years after Ghostbusters II in Manhattan, the city again overrun by ghosts. Voices have been provided from the original 1984 cast. Read on for the official press release.

ATARI TO PUBLISH AND DISTRIBUTE ‘GHOSTBUSTERS™: THE VIDEO GAME’
- AAA VIDEOGAME BASED ON BLOCKBUSTER GHOSTBUSTERS FILM FRANCHISE LAUNCHES WORLDWIDE ON SIX GAME SYSTEMS IN 2009 -

NEW YORK, NY - November 7, 2008 - Atari, one of the world’s most recognised video game publishers, announced today the addition of the highly anticipated Ghostbusters: The Video Game to its 2009 release schedule. Working closely with Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. and acclaimed development studio Terminal Reality, Atari will bring this completely new story to advanced gaming platforms coinciding with the 25th anniversary celebration of the film’s original theatrical release. Ghostbusters: The Video Game, based on the smash hit motion picture franchise, also reunites original cast members to recapture the unique blend of humour and fright that established Ghostbusters as a pop culture sensation.

“Ghostbusters: The Video Game is a fantastic addition to Atari’s global line-up in 2009,” said Phil Harrison, President of Infogrames Entertainment, the parent company of Atari. “The title has built considerable anticipation and excitement among game fans for its high quality action and all-out mayhem. There’s no more thrilling Ghostbusting experience to be had, short of building your own proton pack.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with Atari on Ghostbusters: The Video Game”, said Mark Caplan, Vice President of Licensing-Hardlines for Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc. “As one of our studios’ most valued film franchises, we wanted to develop a video game that would be exciting for both new and old fans and with Atari we have a publisher that fully understands Ghostbusters, and is committed to producing engaging entertainment that fans will thoroughly enjoy.”

Ghostbusters: The Video Game was penned by original Ghostbusters writers Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd and reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 20 years. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lend their voices and in-game likenesses to the original story set two years after Ghostbusters II, with Manhattan once again overrun by ghosts and supernatural forces. The game also features performances from fan favourites such as William Atherton (Walter Peck), Annie Potts (Janine Melnitz) and Brian Doyle-Murray (portraying Mayor Jock Mulligan).

Atari will release the Ghostbusters: The Video Game for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, PlayStation®2 system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Games For Windows®, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™. The launch will also leverage Atari’s worldwide distribution network to maximize the presence of Ghostbusters: The Video Game around the globe as Sony marks the film’s upcoming 25th anniversary. For more information on Atari’s entire line up visit www.atari.com.

2009 also marks the 25th Anniversary of the original theatrical release of Ghostbusters. Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II combined to gross over $500 million world-wide at the box office. The film spawned some of the most memorable comedic catch-phrases and scenes in motion picture history. To recognise this special milestone, Sony Pictures Consumer Products Inc has licensed the property for several new products to commemorate the anniversary, including: video games, toys, t-shirts, comic books, prop replicas, and a theme park attraction. In addition, the original Ghostbusters car (Ecto-1) has been fully restored with plans for special promotional appearances throughout the US. And for the first time ever, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment will release Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II on Blu-rayTM disc.