2K Games to Publish Da Vinvi Code Game

[fitbabits]

You've read the book, you'll probably go see the movie, and now's your chance to play the game based on the movie of the book, courtesy of 2K Games.

SyncGaming (http://www.syncgaming.com) has the story (http://www.syncgaming.com/index.php?page=viewnews&id=3637).

"We are thrilled to work with Sony Pictures on one of its most anticipated film properties," said Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director at 2K Games. "The Da Vinci Code is exactly the type of high-caliber licensed property 2K Games looks for when developing movie-based games."
I think I must be the only person who has yet to read this book. Still, who needs to read when you can rely on Hollywood telling you the story - in picture form!

[Racknahm]

I haven't read it either.

[Cupelix]

I have read it, and its not one of the best books ever written. Its not a bad book, but its honestly just a straight forward thriller novel. The only reason it stands out from other thrillers is that because it deals with things you've heard of before (i.e. the Mona Lisa) - much of what happens in the book suddenly sounds kind of plausible.

Regardless, a game based on this would suck. Unless it was an adventure game, and then it might not be too bad - but if it stuck to the plot of the book too closely, everyone would know what is going to happen already - and 50% of the fun of an adventure game is the plot.

[jacktion]

Man, this is hardly the best book ever written. It is an entertaining pop thriller. It pulls you in but it is not really "high" literature. It is like a really good tv show as compared to a masterpiece of cinema. If you read this author's other works, you see that they all follow the exact same formula with the exact same characters with different names. This might be the best book that some people have ever read, but that is a lot different than the best book ever written.

[bapenguin]

Best Book Ever Written? Not quite, one of the most entertaining and thought provoking....probably.

[KamaItachi]

"We are thrilled to work with Sony Pictures on one of its most anticipated film properties," said Christoph Hartmann, Managing Director at 2K Games. "The Da Vinci Code is exactly the type of high-caliber licensed property 2K Games looks for when developing movie-based games."

So it's the game of the film of the book?

Christ.


I have also not read the book, too.

[AntB]

Dan Brown follows the same formula in every book I read that he wrote. Digital Fortress, Angels and Demons and ofcourse Da Vinci Code.

[Balthasar]

Best Book Ever Written? Not quite, one of the most entertaining and thought provoking....probably.


I wouldn't even go that far. Shoddy writing aside, all the "thought-provoking" power of this book lies on one turn of thought, so its going to depend largely on how much you think the idea Dan Brown presents is even plausible (I don't want to spoil it for anyone that hasn't read it but wants to read it). I will admit it does the job of making you turn the page, and as a result I zipped through it faster than books I actually like. But anyone that announces this book is somehow even in the conversation of "best book," of any time period, is not much of a reader.

[Vandenh]

It's a popular book and a good read and entertaining, nothing else.

Best book? ROFL

[EternalGamer]

Um... this "best book ever written" has writing that sounds like it came out of a 7th grade fiction writing class. Such winners as "He knew it was going to be a long night" and I don't know how many times someone had someone at gun point and then we get the wonderful "No, take me instead." Brown's idea of sounding intellectual is listing the names of streets in Paris.

The cult of Mary is not new with Dan Brown, either. There have been some quirky feminist scholars that developed this idea a long time before the Da Vinci code ever came out. I remember reading about it in a Women in History class about six years ago.

Dan

[joruussuun]

I really liked the Da Vinci Code, but it wasn't the best book ever. It was controversial, that's why everyone read it. I've read three of his books (Da Vinci Code, Deception Point, Angels and Demons) and he does seem to be using the same formula, I've summarized it here for you:

Oh Noes!!!
We Need Your Help Main Character Wo/Man!
Investigation...
Deception!
Scandal...
The Truth Comes Out!
Tender 1 Paragraph Sex Scene...
The End!

(Don't get me wrong, it's a very good book and the formula seems to be working...)

[fitbabits]

Fine! I removed the 'best book ever written' part of my comment! :D

[BigJonno]

I thought the appeal lay in the huge amount of factual information woven together to make an interesting and fairly plausible story. I also think that any book that is this popular, successful and talked about in this day and age deserves some credit.

[joruussuun]

Yes, I agree with BigJonno...

[Conner Dain]

Some measure of respect must be given to anyone who can write for a living. Writing is hard work. Having said that.... From what I've heard from some of my less-than-intellectual co-workers, Brown is a hack who regurgetates\repackages ideas that have existed for years into pulp form.

Bottom line, it's pop fiction. It's the flavor of the month (or year). His work will be forgotten long after the work of real writers is still read and enjoyed. How may people still read Jacqueline Susann or Harold Robbins? Again, anyone who can write deserves the money. But this is a far ways from "the best book every written" and from the classification of literature.

[Taco]

The movie should be funny. They are going to strip it down and hollow it out.

[EternalGamer]

The movie should be funny. They are going to strip it down and hollow it out.


Now there is a scary thought. An already hollow book gets hollowed out even more.

Big Jonno is right, though. The most intriguing part of the Da Vinci code was the way Brown was able to weave together several esoteric theological theories. But, being an obviously intelligent guy, you would think he could craft a decent sentence or two along the way. My guess is he spent all his time researching and had to rush the to finish the book on deadline. But from what I have heard, his other stuff is just as stylistically and dramatically empty.

The "at least it is reading" argument doesn't really do much for me, though. That is an argument that assumes reading is something that is challenging and expanding someone's intellectual ability. I doubt that the Da Vinci Code is challenging much of anyone except for in the French pronunciation of boulevards.

Dan

[Taco]

I don't expect the majority of said theological theories will find their way into the movie. For fear of pissing off bible thumping groups.

[EternalGamer]

Perhaps, but it is kinda of hard to avoid. I think it might be worth a ticket price just to see them try to eliminate all of the offensive stuff, much like how it is horrifically amusing to watch the edited version of Good Will Hunting for public television. I was infinitely amused at the challenge of needing to dubb every other word. To their credit, they didn't do too bad a job given the absurdity of the challenge.

Dan

[The Iron Weasel]

I'm sad to say I don't do a whole lot of reading. But I'd like to read this at some point. I'm gonna have to do a fuckload of reading for university anyway.

[Beelzebud]

Say what you will, but Da Vinci Code is a very good book.

[EternalGamer]

Thank you Mr. Objectivity. Could you please give us the criteria for the proper judgement for great literature so that we may all know how to identify artistic masterpieces in the future, or shall we just come and ask your wisdom each time we wish to know the truth of the matter?

Dan

[danhoo]

I found the book mildly entertaining, but mostly fluff. The one thing about it that struck me is how it was written like a movie would be shot...each chapter was really short, often ended on a cliffhanger or key moment, and felt like it would translate very easily into a sequence in a film. Sure enough, the film's right around the corner.

I don't see it as a good source for a game, but 2K's pretty sharp, so maybe they'll make something interesting out of it.

[Alexious]

Could you please give us the criteria for the proper judgement for great literature...
Man, since when did the EA crowd turn into a bunch of faux-intellectual pricks?

So Dan Brown is not the second coming of Dostoevsky(or whatever overwrought giant of literature you care to mention)... so what? It's a freaking novel. It's entertainment. And it's very good at entertaining. Isn't that the point? You might as well compare Bach to Britney Spears. Or Casablanca to Saw II.

I'll tell you what... you go read A Tale of Two Cities (if you can stay awake) and then pat yourself on the back for it. You can even go join a book club and then talk about how smart you all are for avoiding silly little thrillers. Just don't waste our time with your narcissistic comments... do you really think trying to prove how smart you are by posting on a video game forum about great literature is going to prove anything?

<edit>
To everyone else: read whatever books you enjoy. If you think you need to expand your boundaries and take on Atlas Shrugged, go for it. But don't feel bad for enjoying a "pop" novel because some jerk told you it was unoriginal crap.

[EternalGamer]

The discussion of the book's merits were in response to the statement which called the book "one of the greatest books of all time." Nobody was name dropping the great works of literature to sound impressive or drawing attention to themselves, at least until you made your post referencing Dostoevsky, Dickens and Rand. But aside from that fact, to discuss literature at all means to analyze its merits, unless you just want to nod heads and just say "book X was cool" or "book X sucked." There are plenty of places on the internet where you can do just that, but, personally, I don't consider that much of a discussion.

Furthermore, there are some of us here at EA that don't consider the word "intellectualism" a pejorative. We tend to see this type of discussion as a freshing break from the mediocrity that defines the lowest-common-denominator pop-culture scene. Nobody is denying anyone the right to enjoy junk food entertainment as we all have our indulgences. However to claim that it is all the same is akin to saying that a Quarter Pounder and fries is as good for you as a garden salad and fresh fruit. It simply is not the case. There is a reason books like The Brothers Karamazov and Tale of Two Cities are considered great works of literature and it has very little to do with with the tastes of the bourgeoise or some type of intellectual conspiracy. It has to do with the fact that these are texts that not only have something contribute to a cultural conversation (both in their own time as well as in ours), but that they are also just phenonemal fucking books that will knock you on your ass and will stay with you, traveling with you as thought companions that offer a new perspective on things. I guarentee that anyone who finishes Brothers Karamazov and actually takes the time to understand it will walk away a changed person.

I am sorry if it offends you, but I believe in the value of thought and champoining the accomplishment of artistic excellence and originality of thought. I believe in pointing out mediocrity for what it is. Anti-intellectualism hurts not just the individual, but the society as well. To paraphrase Jefferson, a democracy is only as good as the education of its populace. If it were not for the generated culture of instant gratification (in news media, entertainment, fast food, and politics) the United States would probably not be facing half of the problems it is today.

I noticed that the signiture on your post indicates that you feel the purity of the RPG genre is something that is worth defending. How sad you see no value in defending the merits of great works of literature in the same way.

Dan

[Rommel]

Angels & Demons, the prequel, is better in every way.

[Balthasar]

Furthermore, there are some of us here at EA that don't consider the word "intellectualism" a pejorative. We tend to see this type of discussion as a freshing break from the mediocrity that defines the lowest-common-denominator pop-culture scene. Nobody is denying anyone the right to enjoy junk food entertainment as we all have our indulgences. However to claim that it is all the same is akin to saying that a Quarter Pounder and fries is as good for you as a garden salad and fresh fruit. It simply is not the case.....

I am sorry if it offends you, but I believe in the value of thought and champoining the accomplishment of artistic excellence and originality of thought. I believe in pointing out mediocrity for what it is. Anti-intellectualism hurts not just the individual, but the society as well. To paraphrase Jefferson, a democracy is only as good as the education of its populace. If it were not for the generated culture of instant gratification (in news media, entertainment, fast food, and politics) the United States would probably not be facing half of the problems it is today.

I noticed that the signiture on your post indicates that you feel the purity of the RPG genre is something that is worth defending. How sad you see no value in defending the merits of great works of literature in the same way.

Dan

Cheers to all that. Back when the Simpsons was still funny, it managed to create the symbol of anti-intellectualism in Homer Simpson. Sad to think of how much of the U.S. think just like him.

[emjoi]

So...
I'm just glad to read so many people agree that the book aint all that.

If you don't find the "shock" all that shocking, it's just another thriller that you'll eat up in a few days. Even by pulp thriller standards it not that well written or thought out.

It's not snobbery. It just aint that great.

After reading it I was severely let down. "This is the biggest book of the year?"

[Alexious]

Cheers to all that. Back when the Simpsons was still funny, it managed to create the symbol of anti-intellectualism in Homer Simpson. Sad to think of how much of the U.S. think just like him.
I stand by my statements. Dan's post was flat out rude. I'm certainly not against someone being intellectual. I just get really angry when people get all smarmy when it comes to pop culture. What the hell is wrong with someone saying that, in their limited experience, The DaVinci Code is one of the best books around?

If you thought the book was crap, that's fine. Say so. But don't make me feel like an idiot for enjoying it!

Personally, aside from the occaisional reference on The X-Files or some other sci-fi show/movie/book, I had never been given so much interesting information on the subject. I mean, the Freemasons, the New World Order, blah blah blah... everyone talks about it, but nobody ever offers any real information. I think that's the real reason it was such a blockbuster. There was a built up demand for something like this. Whether you consider it accurate or not, people finally got some real information along with a fairly compelling story. Obviously, it made for an explosive combination.

Hopefully this thread isn't too old and you guys will read this.

[Alexious]

There is a reason books like The Brothers Karamazov and Tale of Two Cities are considered great works of literature and it has very little to do with with the tastes of the bourgeoise or some type of intellectual conspiracy. It has to do with the fact that these are texts that not only have something contribute to a cultural conversation (both in their own time as well as in ours), but that they are also just phenonemal fucking books that will knock you on your ass and will stay with you, traveling with you as thought companions that offer a new perspective on things. I guarentee that anyone who finishes Brothers Karamazov and actually takes the time to understand it will walk away a changed person.
While I'll have to take your word on Karamazov, I've read a Tale of Two Cities... it's terrible. There, I said it.

This is what I'm arguing against! Just because a piece of culture is considered a classic doesn't make it great. For example, whenever there is a discussion of the greatest movies of all time, there's always some smart-ass like you who brings up Citizen Kane. Now, if there's a more boring movie that's been made in the history of the world, I've not seen it. But if you listen to people talk, we might as well stop making movies altogether. Nothing will ever touch it.

Well, I call bullshit. There have been many movies made in the past 20 years that are far superior to Citizen Kane. And there have been plenty of novels written which DO belong in the "greatest of all time discussion" even if The DaVinci Code isn't quite there. If defending our modern culture (which I feel is vastly underrated) from elitists like you makes me "anti-intellectual" then so be it. Read what you like. Watch what you like. Play whatever games you like. And don't feel bad when someone else tells you it's crap.

[Balthasar]

I stand by my statements. Dan's post was flat out rude. I'm certainly not against someone being intellectual. I just get really angry when people get all smarmy when it comes to pop culture. What the hell is wrong with someone saying that, in their limited experience, The DaVinci Code is one of the best books around?

If you thought the book was crap, that's fine. Say so. But don't make me feel like an idiot for enjoying it!

If no one else is responding to this thread, it is because your argument is assinine. You can't just say something is great and expect to get away with it because you are ignorant to anything better. If you say something idotic, expect to be spoken to like an idiot.

[EternalGamer]

While I'll have to take your word on Karamazov, I've read a Tale of Two Cities... it's terrible. There, I said it.

This is what I'm arguing against! Just because a piece of culture is considered a classic doesn't make it great. For example, whenever there is a discussion of the greatest movies of all time, there's always some smart-ass like you who brings up Citizen Kane. Now, if there's a more boring movie that's been made in the history of the world, I've not seen it. But if you listen to people talk, we might as well stop making movies altogether. Nothing will ever touch it.

Well, I call bullshit. There have been many movies made in the past 20 years that are far superior to Citizen Kane. And there have been plenty of novels written which DO belong in the "greatest of all time discussion" even if The DaVinci Code isn't quite there. If defending our modern culture (which I feel is vastly underrated) from elitists like you makes me "anti-intellectual" then so be it. Read what you like. Watch what you like. Play whatever games you like. And don't feel bad when someone else tells you it's crap.

First off, the statement of mine that you apparently had such a problem with was made in response to someone who said "Say what you will, The Da Vinci Code is a good book," which is just another way of saying "I don't care to listen to what any of you have to say, my opinion is the final word on the matter." And you are calling me arrogant?

There is a difference between an informed and an uninformed opinion on a subject. Your quick dismissal of Citizen Kane, for example, clearly shows you ignorance of what makes it such a landmark film, namely it's complex narrative structure and incredible cinematography (more specifically the use of borders, frames, and lighting). Nobody claims it's great because it's a "seat-of-your-pants" thrillride, so your criticism that it is "boring" completely misses the characteristics for which it is praised.

Also most people I know don't judge the merits of artwork as if the discussion were a WWF match, so the conversation usually doesn't involve any particular work being "the definitive work" of any type. The only way you can discuss something as a definitive is if it fits into an archetypal mold, and artistic works are typically championed for the ways they break molds, or the nuances they add within them, not for being the "definitive" example whereby it can be proclaimed "None else need be made!"

I am not trying to sound elitest, but I think you seriously need about 10 more years experience with the type of material you are supposedly critiquing. Come back after you read a few dozen more thrillers like the Da Vinci Code then see if you are just as impressed with its pop-culture sheen. Nobody denies the instant gratification draw pop-culture works have. But after you've taken a few laps around the track, you might better understand the criticisms applied to them. There is a reason pop-culture is usually associated with youth culture. It's because it simply doesn't have staying power. Sure the first romantic comedy you see might seem charming and fresh, but by the time you've seen 24 or so of them, you start to realize that they really aren't all that fresh or original and that, infact,they are quite shallow without much to really offer. By the time you realize this, fully expect a new generation to be ready to defend it's virtues why you just shake your head in recognition of a time when you were on their side of the argument. You might call that "elitism," but I call it gaining experience, maturity, and insight.

Dan