OtherSide Entertainment, a new independent games studio, today announced its formation. Fronted by game pioneer Paul Neurath, OtherSide Entertainment revealed that its first title, Underworld Ascension™, will mark the return of the groundbreaking and long fallow Underworld franchise.
Paul Neurath, Founder and CEO of OtherSide Entertainment, is renowned for his creative direction spanning three decades, notably leading the development of such classic franchises as Thief™, System Shock™ and the acclaimed Ultima™ Underworld.
Underworld Ascension marks both the series and Paul Neurath’s return to his RPG roots, with OtherSide Entertainment aiming to innovate and revitalize the fantasy genre in the same way that its predecessor did in 1992. “With Underworld Ascension,” said Neurath, “we are excited to be bringing back the Underworld franchise, making it more vital than ever before.”
The original Underworlds transformed the traditional dungeon crawl into a truly immersive experience. Players felt as if they were actually walking through the great underworld halls; and encountering a living community of underworld dwellers.
Ultima Underworld inspired a generation, and its influence is still seen today in titles as diverse as Deus Ex™, The Elder Scrolls™, and BioShock™.
OtherSide Entertainment will reveal more details on Underworld Ascension in the months to come. To keep updated, visit our website at www.othersideentertainment.com.
Facebook: /OtherSideEntertainment
Twitter: @OtherSide_games
jtripper wrote on Jul 2, 2014, 21:50:
They obtained the rights to the Underworld franchise from EA, but not the Ultima-associated IP. Thus, there isn't any "Ultima" in the title, except the "nod" to U9.
This has been confirmed by OtherSide Entertainment via their official forums.
JediPunisher wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 23:21:BitWraith wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 20:23:
Since EA owns the franchise I'd say they pretty much have to have something to do with it. I seriously doubt they just handed over the rights to this out of the goodness of their heart.
EA owns the registered trademark Ultima®... not Underworld.
If Paul Neurath were making an Ultima® Underworld game, then EA would have cause to sue. Now, Underworld might be an unregistered trademark, but since EA hasn't released an Underworld game in over 20 years, I'd say it's fair game.
BitWraith wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 20:23:
Since EA owns the franchise I'd say they pretty much have to have something to do with it. I seriously doubt they just handed over the rights to this out of the goodness of their heart.
BitWraith wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 20:23:
Since EA owns the franchise I'd say they pretty much have to have something to do with it. I seriously doubt they just handed over the rights to this out of the goodness of their heart.
JediPunisher wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 17:19:BitWraith wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 16:39:
I wouldn't get too excited. EA is still rolling around on the rotten corpse of Origin. I'll never forgive them for destroying one of the greatest RPG franchises that will ever exist. They probably won't allow this one to be good.
I don't see what EA has to do with any of this. This isn't a sequel to Ultima Underworld and has no Ultima connection... unless EA agreed to publish it and it was renamed Ultima Underworld 3: Ascension, in which case your fears would be justified.
Zoom wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 13:24:Cutter wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 12:55:The guy got some of the greatest games of all times to his pedigree. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt.
Without any media and a lot more information I'm not going to get excited yet. This is awesome news, but how many times have we been let down before. Let's just see what the reality is first, mmmkay.
BitWraith wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 16:39:
I wouldn't get too excited. EA is still rolling around on the rotten corpse of Origin. I'll never forgive them for destroying one of the greatest RPG franchises that will ever exist. They probably won't allow this one to be good.
Yakubs wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 15:15:Zoom wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 13:24:Cutter wrote on Jul 1, 2014, 12:55:The guy got some of the greatest games of all times to his pedigree. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt.
Without any media and a lot more information I'm not going to get excited yet. This is awesome news, but how many times have we been let down before. Let's just see what the reality is first, mmmkay.
You do realize this guy was an exec at Zynga right? And you do realize that at his time at Zynga he had a lot to say in support for the world of mobile gaming?
Sounds like someone I wouldn't trust with the revival of a respected franchise from before the days of corporate plundering.