Developer(s): Hothead Games Publisher(s): Electronic Arts Designer(s): Ron Gilbert Platform(s): Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Release date(s): Xbox Live Arcade July 14, 2010 PlayStation Network July 13, 2010
Genre(s): Action role-playing game Mode(s): Single-player, local co-op Rating(s): ESRB: T
DeathSpank is an action role-playing game by game designer Ron Gilbert, who had been working on getting the game made since 2004; it was announced on January 9, 2008 that Hothead Games would publish the game. The game has been described as "Monkey Island meets Diablo". The game was released on July 13, 2010 on the PlayStation Network and July 14, 2010 on Xbox Live Arcade. Three teaser trailers of DeathSpank were shown at Penny Arcade Expo 2008, but did not show any gameplay. On March 30, 2009, Ron Gilbert confirmed on his blog that the game would no longer be episodic. During the '09 Penny Arcade Expo the game was showcased at Hothead Games booth, with live gameplay being demonstrated by staff, along with examples of story elements, and dialog trees.
The character DeathSpank originated in Ron Gilbert's Grumpy Gamer comics, created by Gilbert and Clayton Kauzlaric. The character was then later developed further. Gilbert and Kauzlaric created a rough design for the game and pitched it to games publishers for over four years without any success. Previously, Gilbert had consulted for Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness at Hothead Games; he contacted them and a deal was made for the company to publish the game. A more in-depth design for DeathSpank was then produced. Kauzlaric remained involved with the project, consulting on design, story and concept art
DeathSpank was ultimately published by Electonics Arts. Gilbert departed Hothead Game
s upon completion of the game.
During the development of the game on its official blog it was announced that both EA and Hothead Games are very interested in delivering a PC version, and that further announcements would be made in the future. Since the entire blog has been removed it's uncertain if there will be a PC version. However Ron Gilbert, teased on his blog a few weeks before the release of DeathSpank on XBLA/PSN that there will be a version of the game for another platform in the future.
The character of 'Deathspank' is voiced by Michael Dobson.
DeathSpank's world is cylinder shaped and is rendered without load screens as the player explores its unique goings-on. Gameplay is similar to Diablo, but with more customization, featuring hundreds of pieces of armor and weapons. Advanced dialog options, similar to LucasArts popular Monkey Island series also play a large part in unfolding the game's story. The game is being designed to be comfortable to play in short segments, ideal for more casual gamers, but also boasts over 15 hours of gameplay. Players also have the options of doing many side quests, and hunting for achievements.
DeathSpank was ultimately published by Electonics Arts. Gilbert departed Hothead Game
s upon completion of the game.
During the development of the game on its official blog it was announced that both EA and Hothead Games are very interested in delivering a PC version, and that further announcements would be made in the future. Since the entire blog has been removed it's uncertain if there will be a PC version. However Ron Gilbert, teased on his blog a few weeks before the release of DeathSpank on XBLA/PSN that there will be a version of the game for another platform in the future.
The character of 'Deathspank' is voiced by Michael Dobson.
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