Asked why so many videogame adaptations from Super Mario Bros. to Doom have failed, Bruckheimer replied, “I couldn’t tell you that. They just haven’t quite captured the imagination of the audience yet, but they will. I think it will definitely happen, whether we do it or other people do it.”
Because Bruckheimer is now coming at games from both sides, developing games and turning them into movies, he believes it’s possible to launch a new franchise as a game before bringing it to film.
“I think games are another form of entertaining audiences,” said Bruckheimer. “Gamers do it very successfully. We can use our storytelling skills and our character-development skills to work with gamers and hopefully develop some interesting games.”
Given the typical two year development cycle for an original game, it will be a while before gamers get to see what Bruckheimer can add to the videogame genre. But MTV Games has high hopes for the producer.
“Bruckheimer could lead with convergence, particularly with TV to online gameplay,” said Toffler. “I think Jerry is definitely a pioneer that could figure this out. Because of his intimate understanding of how films and TV are made, and his soon-to-be knowledge of how games are made, he may be able to put together the pieces like no one else has.”
Bruckheimer is a bit more cautious when it comes to convergence.
“I think it’s going to depend on a project on project basis,” said Bruckheimer. “I can’t make an overall statement because you never know. I’m sure somebody will achieve convergence between these mediums. Hopefully, we’ll be one of them. But you never know.”
Since he’s not a gamer, Bruckheimer keeps abreast of the games business by reading about it. He also makes a point of hiring game industry veterans to steer his newest venture.
“I’ll certainly be involved in these games, but I’m reliant on my talent that I’ve hired and the talented game developers that we’ll be working with,” said Bruckheimer.
He’s also reliant on the technology inside of the game consoles.
“The new consoles that will be coming out in the next five to 10 years I’m sure will almost be lifelike with the characters,” said Bruckheimer. “I think that’s really exciting. I guess anytime you can have a clearer picture, more interesting graphics, more computer power; it's better for the audience to enjoy it.”
Above: Disney’s G-Force – reasonably cute
At the end of the day, whether he’s overseeing his latest summer blockbuster like Disney’s G-Force (opening July 24), or creating a new game, the end goal remains the same.
“I think it’s all part of entertaining people and taking them away from their daily lives,” said Bruckheimer. “The game companies have done an excellent job and their successful games are doing that. It’s the same thing we try to do with our movies. That’s the name of the game - entertain an audience.”
Jun 30, 2009
The franchise’s co-creator talks gaming, sequels and the challenge of making videogames funny
