Epic Mickey Wii-bound in fall 2010

Warren Spector's long-rumored Disney project confirmed by Game Informer cover; game will be exclusive to Nintendo's console.

One of the more interesting rumors of summer 2009 was that Warren Spector was working on a game called "Epic Mickey" for Disney Interactive Studios. That rumor is now reality. After dropping some not-so-subtle hints, Game Informer today revealed that Epic Mickey will be the subject of its November issue cover story.

Concept art for Epic Mickey leaked out in July.

According to the GameStop-owned magazine, Epic Mickey is in development exclusively for the Wii at Spector's Austin, Texas-based Junction Point studio. Set for a fall 2010 release, the "action" game will be single-player only.

Accompanying artwork confirms that the game will feature Disney's rodent mascot Mickey Mouse in the darkest setting he's been in since the "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" section of the 1940 film Fantasia. However, the images do not show--or rule out--the Steampunk influence featured in then-unconfirmed concept art, which leaked out in July.

Epic Mickey was first hinted at in March 2007, when Spector said he was working on two new IPs, one of which had a showbiz connection. "One of them we're working in collaboration with a fellow you would have heard of out of Hollywood, and one of them is based on a game world that I created about 15 years ago with my wife," Spector declared during a Game Developers Conference presentation. (Spector's wife, Caroline, has written several fantasy novels, including one set in the universe of the Shadowrun games.)

Four months after Spector's GDC 2007 speech, Disney bought Junction Point, which was tasked with developing new IP and properties featuring Disney characters. Speaking with GameSpot post-buyout, the cocreator of the Thief and Deus Ex series said he was looking forward to making games based on Disney's massive catalog, which includes both Pixar and (soon) Marvel properties.

Warren Spector.

"Well, the idea of working with licenses in general is really appealing to me," Spector told GameSpot. "I don't know if you remember at the 2004 Game Developers Conference, I gave the design keynote where I basically annoyed half of the development world and became the champion of half of the development world. I certainly took a lot of heat for a talk about how licensed properties and sequels weren't the death of creativity, that in fact they can be a spur to creativity. And at the time, I kind of lamented the fact that I had never really had the chance to do a licensed game. And so I've kind been out there looking around for the right opportunity because I think it will be an interesting and very different kind of challenge."

151 Comments

  • wollettl

    Posted Nov 23, 2009 9:38 am PT

    It is so not fair that this game is exclusive to Nintendo!!!

  • goldninja300

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 2:26 pm PT

    Is Mickey going to be awesome for the first time since KHII? AWESOME!

  • gorezombiez

    Posted Oct 10, 2009 9:04 am PT

    What kind of action game is it going to be?Bloody?Rated E,T,or M?I WANT ANSWERS!!

  • zombehman

    Posted Oct 9, 2009 10:21 pm PT

    This game will be the game for the people (including myself) who own a Wii to wave in the 360 and PS3 fanboys faces

  • CoshMattie

    Posted Oct 8, 2009 1:20 am PT

    Now I know why I got a Wii this game is now number 1 on my watch list! I can so totally see this being dark and creepy I mean just watch Runaway Brain and you can see a whole world of possibilities.

  • BigNalive

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 1:46 pm PT

    Well, let's see if Deus Ex man is good!

  • Dualmask

    Posted Oct 7, 2009 1:18 pm PT

    Not since Mickey Mania have I been so interested in a title featuring the titular mouse. It's a known fact that Mickey Mouse's history isn't nearly as child-oriented as many may believe, and this "Epic" idea could turn out well.

    And I'm glad that it's being made for Wii. That means the graphic artists can be more interested in making the game look artistically beautiful without worrying about a ridiculous budget that an HD title requires. And some people just can't stand the fact that there are developers out there who want to make good games for Wii besides Nintendo...they won't be happy until no one except Nintendo makes Wii games at all.

  • thps48

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 6:29 pm PT

    You should made it more obvious that was sarcasm...

  • OreoMilkshake

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:46 am PT

    It's not going to be good since it's not on an HD console that's graphically inferior to PC wahh wahh wahh. But seriously, this game sounds like it will be amazing. I have high hopes.

  • X-Remnant

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:40 am PT

    This could either be really awesome or really bad.

  • -Canas-

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:37 am PT

    anyone remember Mickey's Ultimate Challenge?

    Now that was a non-gay Disney-based game

  • ThisNameIsDumb

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 11:09 am PT

    good graphics...

  • bowlingotter

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 10:27 am PT

    @BloodMist: I have a Wii and I'm a fan of the console, but it's definitely not "beyond retarded" to know that the game would look better at 720p or 1080p no matter what.

  • Stonetowerghost

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 8:24 am PT

    Kingdom Hearts convinced me that Mickey has potential to be cooler than Yoda. This might be a chance for his game to be awesome, too.

  • capitalthoughts

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 8:12 am PT

    One last note, anyone who has doubts that Disney would ever put Mickey in a dark situation, you need to look up and watch Mickey and the Mad Doctor on youtube. That is a really disturbing cartoon.

  • MindwalkerX

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 7:54 am PT

    Im not a big fan of Mickey, but, Im extremely curious about this game, judging by the concept art's pictures looks like it will be something more mature(not arguing if this is good or bad, just saying it)

  • volcomstoner180

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 7:39 am PT

    man disney has the money to make this epic..and they better make it that way

    this has been long overdue for disney to actually make a good game...they just keep publishing bad ones (g - force anyone?)

  • BloodMist

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 6:03 am PT

    If Deus Ex 2 hadn't been such a travesty, i'd have total faith in this being a flawless, high concept game.But, it was, so, i don't so much.

    Oh and for all those graphics whores out there, you are BEYOND retarded to think a game that's supposed to look like a cartoon would look any better on the other platforms.

  • spoonybard-hahs

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 5:58 am PT

    So my question is, how "epic" will this game be in regards to its rating? It will most likely be rated Teen, however, I am pulling for a Mature rating. No so much for violence or gore, but for high-concept drama and thematic elements.

  • lavalampbamboo

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 5:36 am PT

    Best. Game. Ever. =D

  • brian_13un

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 5:35 am PT

    Looks Interesting ^_^

  • NoDzombie

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 4:27 am PT

    Looks like it could be the first game to come out that will make me regret selling my Wii

  • JDWolfie

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 4:01 am PT

    Holy crap! Did you see that one screenshot of Goofy with one arm? This setting kind of reminds me of that movie 9-09-09.

  • Tortuga7

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 3:27 am PT

    looks... Epic

  • flyingteddy posted Oct 6, 2009 2:45 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    flyingteddy

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 2:45 am PT (hide)

    i dont want to have to get a wii for this, please port it!

  • wahyudil

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 12:30 am PT

    no Marvel in there please ...

  • BigBacon87 posted Oct 6, 2009 12:02 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    BigBacon87

    Posted Oct 6, 2009 12:02 am PT (hide)

    Im not suprised it's a Wii exclusive, as it has the largest audience of children, but I can only imagine how good an 'epic' disney game could look on a PS3. Oh well, Im not 8 anymore so it's not gonna ruin my night or anything.

  • armyofrobots posted Oct 5, 2009 11:05 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    armyofrobots

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 11:05 pm PT (hide)

    WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!

    Wii exclusive? Ugh.

    I'd rather this be a PC exclusive than a Wii exclusive. At least then we can actually be awe-struck by how it looks.

  • pikaby

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 10:58 pm PT

    Fall 2010? That's a long time to wait.

  • calvinx6

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 10:16 pm PT

    I want this game.

  • hatieshorrer

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 9:03 pm PT

    @Timbydude

    Mickey not epic? He started as a character drawn on the free time a cartoonist in his garage and became the mascot of what would become the largest animation company in the world. That sounds epic to me.

  • soulless4now posted Oct 5, 2009 8:10 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    soulless4now

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 8:10 pm PT (hide)

    I'm starting to get really curious about this game. Too bad it's only for wii.

  • Timbydude posted Oct 5, 2009 8:00 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Timbydude

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 8:00 pm PT (hide)

    I just don't get the point of trying to portray Mickey as "Epic". He's not. He was designed as a friendly children's character; why would they try to make him into something he's clearly not?

    I would have much more respect for Disney if they decided to actually *create* a new, mature character/franchise. That would accomplish infinitely more than trying to make Mickey Mouse look BA.

  • Dogar230

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 7:59 pm PT

    Since this is a Warren Spector game, will Mickey talk about the Illuminati and the Majestic 7 in their shadowy battle for world supremacy? lol

  • slickvic1990 posted Oct 5, 2009 7:37 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    slickvic1990

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 7:37 pm PT (hide)

    throw in a golden keyblade and we got a deal!

  • The_Dude1212

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 7:22 pm PT

    @rockwii13

    The fact that it IS Wii exclusive shows how the development team will not be strained to do a quick shoddy port. They can focus all attention on the one system, meaning this game has a greater chance of succeeding.

    As I hope it does. The concept art is pure brilliance.

  • mrklorox

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 7:22 pm PT

    Heh. The art looks like Disney World meets Brutal Legend meets post-apocalyptica.

  • madsnakehhh

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 7:20 pm PT

    I love that phrase, "how licensed properties and sequels weren't the death of creativity, that in fact they can be a spur to creativity"
    This game have me really intrigued, the concept art looks awesome, can't wait to see more of it.

  • dylanscott1992 posted Oct 5, 2009 7:18 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    dylanscott1992

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 7:18 pm PT (hide)

    yeah yeah thats great. Now give us kingdom Hearts 3. Im pretty sure Mickey is most epic with a gold keyblade....not a paintbrush.

  • travisstaggs

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 6:59 pm PT

    This has a good concept it seems like, can't wait to see some screenshots and gameplay vids. of it sooner or later.

  • TheCadaver

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 6:53 pm PT

    wait.. what do you do in the game

  • VXLbeast

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 6:50 pm PT

    This is interesting...

  • Javieralijandro

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 6:39 pm PT

    I guess im dusting the ol' video game time machine player.

  • lilrobda1

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 6:17 pm PT

    I wonder if Bret Irvine(might have misspelled last name) will voice Mickey in this game

  • probabilityzer0

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 6:15 pm PT

    yeah finally some good wii stuff....hopfully at least well it has epic in its name so hopfully it will live up to it

  • rockwii13 posted Oct 5, 2009 6:02 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    rockwii13

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 6:02 pm PT (hide)

    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawe, come on!!!! Not the Wii! I thought this was a cool concept and was looking forward to it, but obviously since it's Wii-exclusive it won't have much thought put into it and will most likely suck like most other Wii games. Who knows, it may actually be awesome, but it could be so much better with better graphics and a more mature audience (even if it is Disney.)

  • Thatguysawesome

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 5:40 pm PT

    Excellent! I love it! Love the fact that its coming to Wii as well! Even though I'm a multi console owner, i like to see the Wii get great looking titles.
    This title had my attention from the get go, it seems alot of care and creativity has gone into this one. gotta love twisted versions of classic characters and such, worked really well for Kingdom hearts and hope it works for this title!

  • nickythenewt21

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 5:34 pm PT

    The only way they can make this game look cooler is if they added Spider-Man to it, but what are the chances of that happening? Oh...wait a minute...

  • dogpigfish

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 5:29 pm PT

    A triple A Mickey title sounds cool.

  • Neosonic23

    Posted Oct 5, 2009 5:29 pm PT

    Dark Mickey Game?? Bet it will still be Rated E...

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