New IP is â??the Holy Grailâ?? says Disney

Disney has this morning taken the official wraps off the new game developed by its UK studio Black Rock, calling Split/Second the ‘holy grail’ of new IP – and telling Develop that it thinks the title will revitalise the racing genre.

The Brighton-made game is set in a TV show, and invites players to not just race against opponents through settings inspired by television and film car chases but take out opponents by triggering explosions and environmental effects. The game is due for release early next year on PC, PS3 and 360.

Black Rock developed last year’s Pure – and reckons its new racing franchises can give the driving game category a serious boost.

Tony Beckwith, GM and VP of Black Rock told Develop: “We really established ourselves with Pure, and Split/Second takes that to the next level.

“If you look at the sale figures, Mario Kart aside, the racing category is in many respects dying out – so I think the genre is ripe for something new.”

Speaking to the Associated Press Graham Hopper, head of Disney’s game division, said that Split/Second will be a major new franchise for the games industry: “That is the Holy Grail for video games, to see them successfully become franchises."

Nick Baynes, game director at Black Rock Studio, added in the official announcement detailing the game: “We’re creating huge memorable moments on par with the biggest blockbuster action films.

“Action racing has captured the imagination of video game fans worldwide and we’re going to redefine that experience with Split/Second.”

More details about the development of the game will be published in the April edition of Develop.