It's a sad irony that mere days before his death, we ran a story about Michael Jackson's comeback tour – slated to start in London – and the fact that a new video game was in the works.
Now, although no one has commented on it just yet, we have to offer you the possibility that such a game may never see the light of day. And perhaps it shouldn't. Set to come to the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and Wii later this year, we didn't even know the title of the mystery project, although we assumed it would fall into the ever-expanding music genre. But either way, we also assume that Jackson himself had to be involved with the process – to some extent – and at this point, it may seem in poor taste to release the game. On the other hand, if it's worthy of the man's legacy, perhaps it would be a fitting send-off gift, and a reminder to all that Jackson's influence can never be denied. You may recall the untimely passing of Colin McRae last year, and Codemasters' ensuing decision to continue on with the Dirt series that used to carry McRae's name. They dropped the name but said his spirit would live on in the quality off-road productions they'd make in the future, so perhaps Jackson's game would be more of an ode than an insult.
By the way, Sony Chairman and CEO Howard Stringer had this to say about Jackson's passing (source: Official MJ Site ):
"Michael Jackson was a brilliant troubadour for his generation, a genius whose music reflected the passion and creativity of an era. His artistry and magnetism changed the music landscape forever. We have been profoundly affected by his originality, creativity and amazing body of work. The entire Sony family extends our deepest condolences to his family and to the millions of fans around the world who loved him."
Well, the game was supposed to release later this year but now…we just don't know what is going to happen. We'll keep you up-to-date on what transpires, but for now, we just have to reiterate that yesterday was a very sad day.
You guys got me curious about what this game may be. I'd never heard of anything about it until your story.
I would say Singstar-Micheal Jackson But its going to the Wii aswell so i dunno….R.I.P Micheal Jackson…Legend
Maybe a singstar type game, Whatever it is it will probaly sell more after his death. I am still in doubt about his whole death, i hope that it is just some rumur but i already know it isnt.
Last edited by kevinater321 on 6/26/2009 11:32:04 AM
Yeah MSNBC has had coverage for about 24 hours now.
Somebody on the GameTrailers and GameSpot forums posted a link to an article stating that Activision announced the game, titled 'Michael Jackson Hero.' But the article has been taken down now, so I don't know what the deal with that was.
I hope they still release it.
R.I.P Micheal Jackson
-True Kings Never Die
"Heroes get remembered, but Legends never die…"
Last edited by Swim_Irr on 6/26/2009 6:07:15 PM
Some kind of fusion between Singstar and dance revolution would have been fitting for a M.J. game.I Guess we will find out what the game is/was eventually.
I'd imagine it won't be going forward unless someone can get the approval of the family or Jackson signed off on his name and image being used before his passing.
It could be released as a tribute. Like colin mcrae games.
i hope it gets made, maybe the profits go to his many charities or children.
I could care less about him. Remember poor Mcully? He was a burnout. Its better to die then to burnout the way he did.
Who? you mean macaulay culkin?
Sometimes i have a feeling the pressures of his coming back killed him. Maybe everything woulda been okay if he hadn't tried to.
It takes a whole lot of drugs and good health to do what he does,pressure from paparazzi,the fans, stage performance, traveling etc, maybe his body couldn't do that anymore. Ask, Old Snake, even he had to survive on shots from syringe, everybody wants to be a star/hero but its really not that easy.
If you despise MJ,then it means you are too young and will never understand his legacy.
R.I.P MJ
Damn! I didn't know MJ was even getting a video game.
If I see a Activision logo on the right-bottom corner of the boxart then I know it's basically Ljn.
I will miss him so dearly, Religion couldn't unite us, politics couldn't unite us, games couldn't unite us, but one man, POP LEGEND MICHEAL JACKSON did with his music, he is the ONLY, the FIRST and the LAST.
your reward is in heaven, i am really happy he lasted this long, seeing how americans wanted him down, series of court cases swept him off, and it so painfull and pathetic that in that part of the world, people just sue to make money out of great men.
M.J may your sweet and gentle sould rest in perfect peace.
june 26th, WORLD MICHEAL JACSKON'S DAY. the day the entire WORLD STOOD STILL!
Last edited by jerocarson on 6/26/2009 8:22:22 PM
You do know he died on the 25th right?
Just watched top 40 MJ hits on MTV, each song is just utter magic.
Although he was never physically beaten, the way he died, it feels as though he got beaten to death with one person suing after another. No one could handle that kind of stress.
It's ironic actually, he did his best to give to the world, giving the proceeds of brilliant songs like 'Heal the world' to charity.
It would be great if the game was released and profits were given to charity, but the guy was a half billion dollars in debt. I wouldn't be surprised if all of his possessions were liquefied.
Have you seen how much his albums are selling right now? Besides, just because he's in debt, doesn't mean all that stuff he owns wasn't worth good money. That debt won't last long.
$400 million is a lot of money. But I suppose it could happen.
I just saw this thriller thing from Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. Its actually better than the movie itself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi3wV8ebogQ&feature=player_embedded
GOOD LUCK
instead of a game we will have a movie starring Jamie Foxx, it will be called "Moonwalker"
R.I.P The King of Pop, I grew up listening to Michael this is a major blow