Split/Second Is Action Racing the Disney Way

Disney and Black Rock Studio have announced that they plan to create a new “action racing” title set to be released in 2010. The game is called Split/Second (was the “/” really necessary?) and should offer the player a chance to compete in a reality television show that only features racers, putting them in cockpits and allowing them to race in a controlled environment where they are free to destroy both their opponents and the scenery. Split/Second is set to be released on the Xbox 360 from Microsoft, the PlayStation 3 from Sony, and the PC.

Nick Baynes, who is the game director for Split/Second, says that “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.”

The game will probably be somewhat similar to what Criterion's Burnout Paradise offered last year. The driving in itself will not be a simulation and the arcade mechanics will guarantee that a wide audience gets interested in the title. It's not clear whether the environments will be centered on urban areas or whether more outdoor areas, like those featured in Pure, will be preferred. Considering that Burnout is focused on urban areas, it might make sense for Split/Second to focus on outdoor areas.

Black Rock Studios, which was initially known as Climax Racing, has created another game in collaboration with Disney. Pure is an off road racer that focuses on pulling complex tricks and getting big jumps in the air. The title was pretty well received in 2008. The game was created for the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and the PC. It is part of a wider strategy from Disney to create more original intellectual properties instead of focusing on licensed titles.