Cartoon Network Announces, Releases Fighting Game From Steven Universe Writer

Although there have been plenty of video games based on Cartoon Network TV shows, the network itself hasn't been behind any of these directly. That's now changing, as Cartoon Network today announced its first game, a superhero brawler, and announced plans to support it with a game jam later this month.

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The game is called OK K.O.! Lakewood Plaza Turbo. It was created by Ian Jones-Quartey (Steven Universe), and produced by Regular Show animator Toby Jones. In fact, TheNextWeb reports that Jones-Quartey created a pilot for Lakewood Plaza Turbo as TV show, but it never materialized.

But all hasn't been lost, as the universe is living on through the Lakewood Plaza Turbo game, coming to iOS and Android devices today (the iOS version is up now; Android version to follow). Cartoon Network notes that Lakewood Plaza Turbo marks the first franchise created at Cartoon Network to make its debut as a video game.

The game itself is set in a "mall for superheroes," known as Lakewood Plaza. You play as K.O., a "young champion" who is on a journey to take down the nefarious Lord Boxman.

"Lord Boxman is set on destroying the plaza with his army of robots, so K.O. will have to learn new fighting techniques from his mom, Carol, unlock special attacks, explore hidden areas, and meet all sorts of crazy characters as he helps rebuild the Plaza," Cartoon Network said in a news release.

For a closer look at the game, you can click through the images in the gallery above.

Cartoon Network also today announced a unique effort to support the game into the future. The network will hold a "game jam" where developers, animators, designers, musicians, and other creative professionals can do whatever they want with the Lakewood Plaza Turbo universe to "create more extensive gaming experiences."

This 48-hour event will be held in Portland, Oregon February 12-14. Participants can use the Lakewood Plaza universe and characters to build anything. One team who wows the network enough will get a "full creative contract" with Cartoon Network to turn their 48-hour creation into a full mobile game.

Other top projects will be showcased on Cartoon Network's website.

Cartoon Network isn't the first TV network getting into gaming, as Adult Swim has opened a new division called Adult Swim Games and is working with Double Fine, among other developers.