British animation studio Aardman is to collaborate once again with publisher Bandai Namco on a brand new IP. This will be the two studios' second gaming partnership after 2018's World War I narrative adventure 11-11: Memories Retold.
What do we know about this new Aardman and Bandai Namco game?
This news comes to us via GamesIndustry.biz. According to the good folks there, Aardman and Bandai Namco will work on a project that will "[exist] across multiple media", with more projects potentially on the way. This could mean we're in for more than just a game this time. The project is scheduled to begin development in early 2021. Aardman says it's looking to "create stories tailored for current and future platforms" with Bandai Namco, suggesting this is a long-term partnership.
Aardman managing director Sean Clarke says that new technology in the gaming world is "blurring the lines of watching and playing". Bandai Namco, says Clarke, "[shares] our vision of creating new IP that embraces this world"; Aardman is looking to build a reputation as a multi-disciplinary media creator and not just a purveyor of animated TV shows and movies. We'll get more details regarding this collaboration in the coming months.
What did the previous Aardman-Bandai Namco partnership yield?
This isn't the first time the two companies have worked together. 2018's 11-11: Memories Retold is a World War I-themed narrative adventure game that launched three days before the centennial of Armistice Day. That game focused on two protagonists: Canadian photographer Harry Lambert and German engineer Kurt Waldner. It was a light puzzler with a pretty striking art style that did pretty well for itself critically.
Time will tell whether Aardman and Bandai Namco's next collaboration will resemble 11-11: Memories Retold or whether it will take a different form entirely. It does seem to be a new IP, so if you're holding out hope for a Shaun the Sheep Soulslike, you might have to wait a little longer (or make it as a fan project, you mad person). We'll bring you more on this as we get it.
What would you like to see from Aardman and Bandai Namco? Let us know in the comments below!
