E3 2001: TDK Mediactive snags Robotech license

TDK Mediactive, a game publishing company based in Southern California, has announced an agreement with Mattel to develop and publish games based on Harmony Gold's popular sci-fi animated television series Robotech. The agreement gives TDK the rights to publish Robotech games on a variety of platforms, including the PC, current and next-generation consoles, and handheld systems.

TDK has hired Vicious Cycle Software to develop an advanced 3D game engine for the upcoming games. TDK will create games using the engine that will take advantage of each platform's abilities. The first game in TDK's Robotech series is scheduled for release in 2002.

"Robotech is a veritable sci-fi icon with an incredibly strong following," said Vincent Bitetti, chief executive officer of TDK Mediactive. "Our upcoming games will capture the dramatic storyline, art direction, and amazing battle sequences that characterize the Robotech universe."

The Robotech television series first aired in 1985. It combines giant robot battles with an involved sci-fi storyline. Even 16 years after its initial release, the series has a strong global fan base, and it continues to be broadcast in a number of countries.