Free Radical | Timesplitters Snapped Up By EA

Originally released in 2000, Free Radical's TimeSplitters series revolutionized the first-person shooting genre by introducing players to a unique time-traveling gameplay mechanic. The innovative and compelling gameplay propelled the series to become a worldwide success. The original title was followed by the release of TimeSplitters 2 in 2002. Together, the two titles have sold over 2 million units worldwide. The next title will take the experience further with improved gameplay, unprecedented graphics, all new story and online play.

"Free Radical has proven itself as a world-class studio by delivering consistently beautiful, exciting and incredibly fun games," said Frank Sagnier, Vice-president Electronic Arts Partners in Europe. "We are thrilled to be working with Free Radical and to be adding a new title to our growing catalogue of externally developed games."

"Choosing EA Partners as our publishing partner represents a big breakthrough for Free Radical," said Steve Ellis, Chairman of Free Radical Design. "We're already working hard on the next game, and hope that, with the help of EA Partners, we can reach many new players all over the world."

So not only has Criterion had a bust-up with Acclaim over not treating its Burnout series in the proper fashion, the same has happened between Eidos and Free Radical Design. Both small outfits will be hoping that under the wing of Sugar Daddy EA, the series will receive the recognition they ultimately deserve. Also there is the factor that both favour Nintendo and its systems and both Acclaim and Eidos are non-Nintendo supporters at present...

These are interesting times indeed. Make sure you keep it locked to C3 for any further developments!