Avi Arad made headlines just a few days ago extolling the bounty of movie source material that remains untapped in video games. In fact, he compared the medium to comics just as "X-Men" and "Spider-Man" started opening Hollywood execs eyes to comics. Given that he's already been attached to adaptations of "Lost Planet" and "Mass Effect," games that were already quite cinematic in their own rights, I don't think many people expected to see his name on the bill for an E3 party where Namco plans to announce "the next evolution" of Pac-Man.
Arad will be in attendance at Namco's 30th birthday for Pac-Man on June 15, according GameSpot. There, the massively successful producer will reportedly "offer insight into the worldwide premiere of his newest Pac-Man project."
The announcement doesn't explain exactly what Arad's roll will be. It's presumptuous to assume that his involvement presupposes the mystery evolution involves a movie. I've just got my fingers crossed that it isn't another kart-racing game.
What do I think it will be? Well, given the themes and climate of the year, don't be surprised if 3-D is involved, some larger platform for entertainment comes with it (given Arad's vast influence), and Arad is a partner in it at a high level.
What do you think the next evolution of Pac-Man will mean? Why do you think Avi Arad has been recruited to help make the announcement? Share your predictions in the comment section below.