Exclusive: The next James Bond videogame from EA will be Casino Royale starring Daniel Craig as 007 for release in November 2006...

Update: Next-gen console plans dropped, traditional platforms supported as usual.

Casino Royale Up Next From EA
15th December 2005

MI6 can reveal that the next James Bond game in development from Electronic Arts is a third-person version of "Casino Royale" starring Daniel Craig as 007.

The game is planned to coincide with the release of the film in theatres on November 17th 2006.

"Casino Royale" was originally aimed at the recently released Xbox 360 and forthcoming PlayStation 3 platforms.
Update: Sources suggest plans for next-gen console releases have been cancelled. Versions for current generation consoles (PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube) will be developed as normal, as with "Everything or Nothing" and "From Russia With Love".

Pre-production work on the game started a few months ago, with concept artwork and some 3D models already complete, even before the latest game From Russia With Love hit the shelves.

 
Above: Daniel Craig is the sixth official James Bond, taking over from four-times 007 Pierce Brosnan.

The game is in the third-person perspective, and is planned to follow the plot of the movie, which will feature an original first third and then follow Ian Fleming's story for the remainder of the adventure.

Next-Gen Production Cancelled?
Although the project is about 15% into development, rumours are circulating that production of the next generation platforms have been cancelled (development of current-gen consoles is moving ahead as planned). This is more than likely due to the tough timescale's in completing the game, combined with technical development complications with the new consoles.

Above: Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3

EA hold an exclusive videogame license with MGM to create James Bond titles up until 2010. The deal covers all of Ian Fleming's Bond books, the twenty films already released, and any future 007 films - including "Casino Royale".

Best Laid Plans
Bond gamers may recall the "Bond 6" saga, which MI6 exclusively revealed back in January 2005 when the plug was pulled on an original game featuring a young Pierce Brosnan as 007 (cinematics were developed for eventual use with versions on next-gen consoles). When news broke that Brosnan was not to return to the cinematic role, production work on the game came to an abrupt halt and a swift decision was made to develop "From Russia With Love" with Sir Sean Connery instead.

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