505 Games Backs NaturalMotion’s Backbreaker

NaturalMotion’s football game Backbreaker has scored a publishing partner in 505 Games, the companies announced today. NaturalMotion is probably best known to gamers as the developers behind the euphoria engine, used to provide dynamic animations in games such as Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto IV and LucasArts’ Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Backbreaker uses that technology to display on-the-fly animations for tackles and other high-impact moments.

"Backbreaker is about being on the field and in the action," said Torsten Reil, CEO of NaturalMotion. "Through the use of euphoria, we are able to create an experience that is truly interactive and different every time. We're thrilled to be partnering with 505 Games and can't wait for gamers to experience this new type of sports title."

The game is set for a spring 2010 release, which is unusually early for a football game. The industry titan Madden NFL series typically ships in August. Publisher 505 Games is betting that players are clamoring for a new football game that time of year, a move that could pay off if the audience is there. One big obstacle is its lack of an NFL license. The game does allow players to customize logos and teams, however, so enterprising players might find ways around that limitation.

At any rate, 505 Games is clearly excited about the prospect. "Backbreaker sets the new standard for football," said Adam Kline, president of 505 Games U.S. "Repetitive, canned animations are a thing of the past. We recognize that fans are eager for something new, and Backbreaker will blow them away."