Electronic Arts Brings Wing Commander To Live Arcade

Electronic Arts has officially announced Wing Commander Arena, a return to Origin System's 17 year old franchise reborn as a 16 player Xbox Live Arcade title due for release in summer 2007. Developed by Gaia Industries, also working on Live Arcade street-sport game Street Trace: NYC, Arena brings arcade-style multiplayer battles to the Wing Commander universe with player competing in their customizable ships for highest frag count, high score, and dueling stats. Electronic Arts has revealed that Arena will feature four styles of play, including single player, team based multiplayer, free for all multiplayer, and a multiplayer duel. The game features eight maps covering all of the above game types, which, EA notes, will offer gamers customizable experiences from quick "ten minute action" games, or a "longer more immersive game." Set for a summer 2007 release, Wing Commander Arena will be the second title Electronic Arts is bringing to Xbox Live Arcade, following the spring release of its rhythm action title Boom Boom Rocket, previously covered on Gamasutra, produced in conjunction with Geometry Wars developers Bizarre Creations. "We're really excited to deliver unparalleled multi-player arcade action," said EA vice president Chip Lange. "The design for Wing Commander will appeal to both long-time fans of the franchise and immediately engage anyone who wants the melee style action of an arcade shooter." Gamasutra will be bringing you more on the game, including interviews with Arena producers, in the near future.