Here’s a fresh rumor to keep your mind working over the weekend! It has emerged that Next Level Games are currently working on a new unannounced Wii U game which is set to make use of Nintendo’s own intellectual property. Next Level developer Dan Pratezina revealed via his personal website that working at Next Level Games and “being surrounded by Nintendo IP all day” is “making him want a Wii U”.
“After over ten years in film and television, I’m working in a gaming pipeline for the first time at Next Level Games, helping previs & animate in-engine cutscenes. Switching pipelines like this is a terrific brain-scramble, the crew is fantastic, and it’s a ton of fun being surrounded by Nintendo IP all day. It’s making me want a WiiU. Is that weird? Yes, it is. But here we are. “
Further evidence is found on Pratezina’s LinkedIn profile, where he reveals that he is “responsible for working with animation and gameplay teams to create in-engine cinematics for an upcoming Nintendo IP”.
Presentation Animator
Next Level Games
November 2014 – Present (5 months)
After ten years of film and TV, I’m insanely excited to finally scratch my itch to contribute to the gaming world!
Responsible for working with animation and gameplay teams to create in game, in engine cinematics for an upcoming Nintendo IP, from concept to completion.
Next Level Games have made a name for themselves over the past decade after working closely with Nintendo on numerous titles utilizing their much revered IP. Their hit titles include Super Mario Strikers (GCN), Mario Strikers Charged (Wii), Punchout!! (Wii) and most recently Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon for the Nintendo 3DS. They have also worked on several licensed titles for other publishers and platforms. Two titles have also been cancelled in Clockwerk and Super Mario Spikers, a volleyball spin on their Mario soccer titles.
What Nintendo IP would you like to see Next Level Games tackle next?