Beloved game creator and Maxis co-founder Will Wright (The Sims, SimCity, Spore) today revealed that he is leaving Electronic Arts and Maxis to pursue one of his old side projects.

Dubbed Stupid Fun Club, the company is described as "an entertainment think tank developing new Intellectual Properties to be deployed across multiple fronts including video games, movies, television, the internet, and toys."

Stupid Fun Club was initally formed around 2001, to explore Wright's love of robots.

Though Wright is for all intents and purposes leaving Electronic Arts, he will continue to work with the publisher, as Wright and EA now own equal percentages of Stupid Fun Club. Maxis VP Lucy Bradshaw will keep running Maxis, bought by EA in 1997.

In addition, Electronic Arts holds the right to develop any game concepts... Read more

Shacknews has learned that Electronic Arts is currently in the process of resurrecting Bullfrog's classic isometric sci-fi action series Syndicate.

This lends further credence to recent rumors that Riddick and The Darkness developer Starbreeze has been tasked with the project.

Starbreeze and Electronic Arts partnered last year on Project RedLime, which was teased as a revival of one of EA's "most acclaimed classic franchises." RedLime is slated to hit PC, PS3 and Xbox 360--the same platforms as the new Syndicate.

Further evidence of Starbreeze's involvement comes from GamesIndustry.biz and CVG, both of which independently reported the news at different times.

At this point, it's unclear if original producer Peter Molyneux will assist with the project. It's unlikely, given that he currently heads up the Microsoft-owned Lionhead Studios, though Molyneux has expressed a desire to eventually resurrect the series.

Now available on FileShack is the EA Game De-Authorization Management Tool, a 5.42MB download meant to help owners of EA PC games balance install limits.

While the publisher has already released a variety of game-specific de-activation tools, this one serves as a catch-all, scanning your system for any Electronic Arts game released after May 2008 that may have authentication limits, and then providing information on the amount of authorization slots in use and how to disable them.

Games covered by the tool include:

• Burnout Paradise: The Ultimate Box
• Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3... Read more

EA continue their multimedia onslaught today by announcing an animated version of Dante's Inferno, its upcoming title loosely based upon Dante Alighieri's epic poem.

Minds behind this animated adventure include the producer of EA's 2008 video game tie-in Dead Space: Downfall and the director of Hellboy Animated: Blood and Iron.

"The feature will explore aspects of the poem that the game does not," promises creative director Jonathan Knight, leaving one to wonder exactly which elements of the classic allegorical epic are overlooked by the brutal God of War-style hack 'em up.

You can go to Hell with Dante's Inferno the video game on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 in 2010. EA has yet to announce when the cartoon will unleash its torment.

The Sims 3 will feature greatly simplified copy protection with no online activation when it launches for PC and Mac on June 2, The Sims label head Rod Humble has announced on the official Sims 3 website. In his words:

The game will have disc-based copy protection - there is a Serial Code just like The Sims 2. To play the game there will not be any online authentication needed.

We feel like this is a good, time-proven solution that makes it easy for you to play the game without DRM methods that feel overly invasive or leave you concerned about authorization server access in the distant future.

DRM proved a thorny issue for EA when Spore's SecuROM online activation technology initially only allowed owners to install the game three times before having to contact EA. Reactions ranged from comical protest creatures in Spore to class-action lawsuits.

Two of the top blokes behind EA's charmingly British platformer-puzzler Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure have ventured forth from the publisher to found DreamRift, a new independent studio.

Hatsworth lead designer Pete Ong and lead programmer Ryan Pijai are joined by unnamed diamond geezers from across the industry. DreamRift is wooing prospective publishers with its first project this week at the Game Developers Conference.

Released March 17 for the Nintendo DS, Henry Hatsworth is a charming platformer-puzzle hybrid where players match blocks in the lower screen to destroy enemies and charge up special abilities in the top's platformer. Amongst these powers is the fabulous "Tea time," which seats the Pompous Adventurers' Club's top adventurer in an invincible steam-powered robot--just another Tuesday in England.

Continuing to expand in the lucrative iPhone and iPod Touch gaming market, publisher Electronic Arts plans to bring a number of major franchises to the devices this year.

Those upcoming titles include the extreme snowboarding series SSX, Wolfenstein RPG, Red Alert, FIFA 10, Madden 10, NBA Live 10, American Idol, Spore Creatures, Clue, Risk, Mystery Mania, Connect 4, Battleship, Tiger Woods and Star Trek, according to reports from game journalist Patrick Klepek and Kotaku.

More details on the above games are expected in the coming hours, days and weeks.

As had been expected, Electronic Arts today officially announced Army of Two: The 40th Day, the co-op action game sequel featuring the two-man team of Salem and Rios.

In the game, Salem and Rios find themselves in Shanghai, China, which has been almost completely ruined. As they make their way through the city, they'll try to uncover the secret of the 40th Day.

According to EA, gamers can expect a lot more co-op moves (more ways to slap butts please), resulting in a more "organic and immersive" experience.

In development at EA Montreal, Army of Two: The 40th Day is out this winter for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PSP.

Electronic Arts will publicly announce a new project from Army of Two developer EA Montreal next Thursday, March 12, the company revealed in a press release today.

Specifically, the release was a publicly-distributed invitation for "local media" to attend an advance presentation on March 9 at EA Montreal. A release announcing the game will hit March 12, and any subsequent impressions and interviews are embargoed until March 16 at 9 AM EST "in order to ensure fair coverage for media across the globe."

No clues or hints as to the game's identity or platforms were provided. Recent projects out of EA Montreal include Army of Two (PS3, 360), Boogie Superstar (Wii), and Skate It (Wii, DS). The studio is known to be working on Need for Speed Nitro (Wii, DS), and Electronic Arts has previously suggested that an Army of Two sequel is coming.

Electronic Arts today announced that EA Sports Grand Slam Tennis and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 will hit Wii on June 16, and confirmed that the two will the first Wii games out of EA that support the upcoming MotionPlus controller add-on.

Nintendo unveiled the accessory last summer, promising that it would improve the accuracy of the Wii Remote's motion-sensing capabilities to an almost 1:1 scale. At last official word, the add-on was to be bundled with Wii Sports Resort this spring.

When played in conjunction with the MotionPlus accessory, Tiger Woods is said to "allow golf fans to experience a near-perfect 1:1 swing." Meanwhile, Electronic Arts vowed that Grand Slam Tennis is "the deepest tennis experience ever for the Wii," and noted that both Grand Slam and Tiger Woods 10 would eventually hit other platforms.

Those versions of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for other platforms will ship in June, the company added, while stressing that Grand Slam Tennis is "available first for the Wii."

Following a glutted holiday gaming market that lead to some disappointing sales for new Electronic Arts franchises, the publisher has admitted that its strategy of releasing many of its larger titles during the same season was a mistake.

"The one big thing we learned was, we came out with a bunch of new IP, actually with a bunch of new games at the same time," said EA Redwood Shores general manager Glen Schofield to GamesIndustry.

"I think that we traditionally thought that people only buy games at Christmas or around holiday time," he continued. "And now we're looking back and going, 'You know what, GTA launched in May; Resident Evil comes out in March.'"

Weak sales of new IP such as Dead Space and Mirror's Edge contributed to third quarter losses of $641 million at EA. The publisher quickly moved to cut 11% of its workforce in response.

"I think the industry has finally gone, 'Wow, we could probably just come out just like the movies do,'" concluded Schofield. "Movies launch on Christmas day, they launch blockbusters during the summer, and we're now learning that we could probably launch a game at any time, and if it's a good game it will be well received."

A new sequel to American McGee's Alice, the twisted 2000 action-adventure take on Alice in Wonderland, is in the works at designer American McGee's studio Spicy Horse. Electronic Arts will publish the game through the EA Partners label.

Shacknews has learned that the game is scheduled to ship on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. No release date has been announced.

Tim Burton is currently making a new Alice in Wonderland film, set to star Johnny Depp and debut in 2010. No word yet on whether the two projects are connected in any way.

Publisher EA today issued the first details on the Wii entry in EA Redwood Shores' sci-fi survival horror series Dead Space, revealing the new game as a first-person prequel.

Said to be "built from the ground up and developed exclusively for Wii," Dead Space Extraction will apparently "marry the innovative motion controls of the Wii Remote with a frenetic first person perspective to create a new action-packed horror experience."

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Executive producer Steve Papoutsis noted that the title is an on-rails shooter in an interview with IGN, but promised that it "is not your typical rail shooter," adding that the "goal is to innovate and push the genre forward like Dead Space... Read more

Expanding its reach beyond the realm of video games, publisher Electronic Arts--responsible for Madden NFL, NBA Live, FIFA Soccer, and NHL sports games, among others--has partnered with Toy Island to make "a unique new line of sports equipment."

Of course, EA won't be neglecting its history in the video game arena, with the toys said to "bring the excitement of video game simulation outside onto the fields of play."

This lofty goal will be accomplished through infrared, motion and equilibrium sensors. EA Sports-branded baseball, football, basketball, soccer and hockey products are all currently in development, with the eventual offerings said to include:

• a line of interactive training tools featuring voice commands and instructional coaching elements designed to take budding stars to the next level;
• a complete game-in-a-box containing all the equipment necessary for kids to practice and play a sport;
• a line of sports toys that will utilize electronics to reward young athletes with cheers when they use proper techniques;
• a basic line of high density-foam balls to help kids develop throwing and kicking motor skills at an early age.

The products will debut at retailers this fall, aimed at youths aged 3-6, 6-9, and 9-12.

Activision Blizzard has reportedly threatened to sue Electronic Arts for publishing Double Fine's upcoming action-adventure game Brutal Legend (PS3, 360), claims Variety.

Though Electronic Arts claimed to pick up the publishing rights for Brutal Legend back in December, Variety's sources indicate that Activision Blizzard views the agreement as invalid due to a belief that it was still engaged in negotiations regarding the game.

Brutal Legend was originally set to be published by Vivendi, which merged with Activision to form Activision Blizzard last year. Following the merger, Activision said that the new company would not publish Brutal Legend and several other games, including 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, Ghostbusters, and The Chronicles of Riddick.

Variety speculates that Activision is seeking a cash payment for the publishing rights, especially as the company has said it has no interest in publishing the game.

As for Electronic Arts, a company representative expressed doubt that Activision would actually sue, explaining that it would "be like a husband abandoning his family and then suing after his wife meets a better looking guy."

As knowing is half the battle, Electronic Arts today sent along the first details of the game based on the G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra live-action film, which is due out August 7.

In development for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS, and PSP, the G.I. Joe game will arrive around the same time that the film hits theaters.

According to Electronic Arts, the as-yet-untitled game will "feature an exclusive storyline that picks up where the live-action movie leaves off, allowing players to re-create and re-live the greatest moments from the film, cartoon series and action figure toy line."

In all, players will be able to select from 12 characters, each with their own equipment and abilities, and tackle the game alongside a friend thanks to single-screen co-op. They'll also be able to hijack "powerful G.I. Joe or Cobra vehicles, then fire away!"

In the face of a worsening economy and several rounds of painful staff reductions, publishers Microsoft and Electronic Arts have both made separate commitments to continue the development of original gaming properties, rather than resort entirely to the safety of sequels.

"I think you'll see some [IP under threat], yes--but I also think, and I can only really speak with authority about our own games development work, be very confident we'll continue to innovate, and focus on exciting IP for the future," said Microsoft Interactive Entertainment VP Chris Lewis to GamesIndustry.biz.

"I think all the big, mature companies are thinking that way, because if we're in the eye of the storm right now in terms of the economic situation, then clearly we'll come out," added Lewis. "The healthy companies will be the ones that have invested sufficiently during that phase, that they've got exciting IP and innovative things happening for when that recovery starts to happen."

Meanwhile, on the wake of layoffs affecting 11% of its business, Electronic Arts VP of communications Jeff Brown made a similar pledge to the development of new properties last week.

"We can take risks because we are pretty sure our blockbusters are going to generate good revenue that allow us some cushion," said Brown to Kotaku. "You will not be able to see a dramatic drop off original IP."

Electronic Arts studio DICE today confirmed that Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is in development, as Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello revealed a few days ago. In addition, the company revealed the development of Battlefield 1943.

Unlike the first Bad Company, which was only released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Bad Company 2 will also get a PC release. DICE promises a "level of fervor to vehicular warfare never before experienced in a modern warfare action game."

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 is not expected until early next year, but gamers will still get their Battlefield fix this year as Battlefield 1943 will be released this summer.

A presumably budget-priced release, Battlefield 1943 is a downloadable multiplayer-only title coming to PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It will feature 24 player action, three classic Battlefield locations--Wake Island, Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima--and uses the same Frostbite engine that powers Bad Company 2.

"Bad Company 2 takes everything that players liked in the original and ups the ante - more vehicles, more destruction and more team play," said Battlefield franchise executive producer Karl Magnus Troedsson. "Battlefield 1943 is a new take on a blast from the past classic coming to life with brand new technology."

DICE is also working on the free-to-play Battlefield Heroes, which is expected by April.

Speaking with investors in a conference call today, EA CEO John Riccitiello revealed that Redwood Shores' action-horror franchise Dead Space is heading to the Wii.

The CEO was mum on the details, but noted that the title should retain the so-called fear factor of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions that arrived in the fall of 2008.

BioWare's Mass Effect 2 and a sequel to DICE's Battlefield: Bad Company will arrive in the first three months of 2010, Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello has revealed.

In today's conference call, Riccitiello said that Mass Effect 2 will arrive on multiple platforms, which means it could hit both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 at launch.

The first Mass Effect was a console exclusive for Xbox 360, trailed by a PC release a few months later. BioWare has suggested the sequel may follow that model.

When asked about specific platforms for Mass Effect 2, an Electronic Arts representative told Shacknews that no details were available at this time.

The Battlefield: Bad Company sequel will presumably follow in the footsteps of the console-only original, which hit PS3 and Xbox 360 in the summer of 2008.

Both games will be released during the fourth quarter of the publisher's 2010 fiscal year, which runs from January 1 to March 31.