After a decade of silence, Radical Entertainment, the studio behind beloved open-world titles like Prototype and The Simpsons: Hit & Run, is back in operation. The revival isn’t a direct continuation of the original studio, but rather a new entity, New Radical Games, spearheaded by key figures from the original team.
Radical Entertainment, originally founded in 1991, built a reputation for ambitious and often unconventional open-world game design. Their portfolio includes The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, praised for its physics-based destruction and sandbox gameplay, and Scarface: The World Is Yours, a surprisingly deep and engaging adaptation of the iconic film. However, the studio was shuttered by Activision in 2013, leaving a dedicated fanbase wondering if these unique game experiences would ever return.
The re-emergence comes through New Radical Games, led by Ian Wilkinson, a co-founder of the original Radical Entertainment, now serving as CEO. Joining him is Tim Bennison, formerly a leader at Capcom Vancouver, now the COO of New Radical. Notably, the new studio appears to have absorbed Hothead Games, a studio founded by former Radical Entertainment employees. This consolidation of talent suggests a deliberate effort to recapture the spirit and expertise of the original team.
Hothead Games, known for titles like DeathSpank and various mobile games, brings its own development experience to the table. The absorption of Hothead isn’t simply a talent acquisition; it represents a merging of two studios with shared roots and a potential synergy in development approaches. This move suggests New Radical isn’t aiming for a simple revival of past glories, but a building of something new, informed by its history.
A Studio Open for Business: Remasters and Beyond
New Radical Games’ website clearly positions the studio as a versatile development partner. While the site prominently features imagery and references to their past successes – Prototype and The Simpsons: Hit & Run are heavily showcased – it’s primarily a showcase of capabilities and an invitation to collaborate. The studio is offering a range of services, including full game development, co-development, remasters, and ports.
This broad scope indicates New Radical isn’t immediately focused on resurrecting its classic titles. Instead, they’re actively seeking projects to work on, positioning themselves as a flexible and experienced development house. The emphasis on remasters and ports is particularly interesting, given the fervent desire among fans for updated versions of their older games. However, a significant hurdle remains: New Radical Games does not currently own the intellectual property rights to those titles.
The rights to Prototype, The Simpsons: Hit & Run, and other Radical Entertainment properties remain with Activision. Any remasters or sequels would require Activision’s approval and potentially their direct involvement. While New Radical can demonstrate its ability to revitalize these games through its portfolio and expertise, the ultimate decision rests with the current rights holder. The studio’s website acknowledges this reality, stating they are “available for everything and anything,” but implicitly recognizing the need for external partnerships to bring their most beloved creations back to life.
The gaming landscape has changed dramatically since Radical Entertainment’s closure in . Open-world games are now a dominant genre, with titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 setting new standards for scale and immersion. The rise of live-service games and the increasing popularity of remasters and remakes also present both opportunities and challenges for New Radical.
The demand for high-quality remasters is demonstrably strong. Recent remakes like Resident Evil 2 and Final Fantasy VII Remake have proven that fans are willing to pay for faithful and modernized versions of classic games. However, simply updating graphics isn’t enough. Successful remasters often involve significant gameplay improvements, expanded content, and a careful preservation of the original game’s spirit.
New Radical’s experience with open-world design and physics-based gameplay could be particularly valuable in this regard. The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, for example, remains notable for its incredibly satisfying and destructive combat system. Bringing that level of interactivity and dynamism to a modern platform could be a significant draw for players.
The studio’s willingness to offer co-development services also positions them well in the current industry climate. Many large publishers are increasingly relying on external studios to assist with development, allowing them to scale up production and diversify their portfolios. New Radical’s expertise and established track record could make them an attractive partner for companies looking to tackle ambitious projects.
While the future of New Radical Games remains uncertain, the return of key personnel and the studio’s clear ambition are encouraging signs. The gaming community will be watching closely to see what projects they undertake and whether they can recapture the magic of their past successes. For now, the studio is signaling a willingness to collaborate and a commitment to delivering high-quality game development services, leaving the door open for both new creations and the potential revival of beloved classics – pending Activision’s involvement.
