When did Radical Entertainment return as New Radical Games? The Vancouver-based studio officially rebranded and launched its new website in late 2024, immediately sparking speculation about a potential The Simpsons Hit and Run remake after nearly 15 years of silence. This marks the first time since 2012 that the team behind some of the most chaotic open-world superhero games has shown signs of life, leaving fans scrambling for details about what comes next.
Quick Facts: What You Need to Know
- Original Founding: 1991 in Vancouver, Canada
- Activision Purchase: 2005 for about $35 million
- Last Major Release: Prototype 2 (2012)
- Studio Status: Closed by Activision in 2012, now back as an independent team
- New Website Launch: Late 2024
- Most Wanted Revival: The Simpsons Hit and Run remaster
New Radical Games Makes a Surprise Comeback
The gaming community all at once dropped its controller when New Radical Games quietly flipped the switch on its new digital home. After surviving closure by Activision in 2012 following bad sales of Prototype 2, the studio that perfected superhero destruction has returned under fresh branding. We noticed the site features a sleek, modern design that hints at big plans while paying homage to their classic catalog.
This isn’t just a nostalgic return. Based on our analysis of the website’s assets, New Radical Games appears positioned as an independent entity, separate from Activision’s current holdings. The rebrand suggests the original talent may have regrouped to tackle new projects, possibly including revivals of their most beloved franchises. Unlike other defunct studios that stay buried, this comeback feels deliberate and planned.
From Crash Bandicoot to The Simpsons: A Storied Past
To understand why this return matters, you need to know what Radical built. Starting in 1991, the Canadian developer cut its teeth on licensed properties before mastering original chaos. Hulk: Ultimate Destruction (2005) let players destroy entire cities as the green giant, while Prototype (2009) and its 2012 sequel gave gamers shape-shifting superpowers across open-world New York City.
Their track record with licensed games remains unmatched. The Simpsons Hit and Run (2003) sold millions by combining Grand Theft Auto-style driving with the show’s signature humor. They also crafted The Simpsons Road Rage and helped with Crash Bandicoot titles during the PlayStation 2 era. When Activision bought the studio for $35 million in 2005, industry experts expected Radical to become a superhero powerhouse. Instead, corporate moves after Prototype 2’s weak sales led to mass layoffs and years of silence.
Is The Simpsons Hit and Run Remake Finally Happening?
Here’s where the internet loses its mind. Scrolling through New Radical Games’ homepage, we spotted Homer Simpson’s clear outline appearing multiple times across the site. This isn’t subtle. When a revived studio front-loads its marketing with hints toward one specific 21-year-old game, fans naturally assume a remaster or full remake sits in the works.
The timing makes sense. Recent years saw successful revivals of classic titles like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 and Dead Space (2023), proving older games can find massive new audiences. A The Simpsons Hit and Run remaster would arrive during peak nostalgia for early 2000s gaming, especially given the show’s continued cultural reach through Disney Plus.
“I’d buy that for a dollar,” one fan commented on social media, echoing thousands of similar reactions. While New Radical Games hasn’t confirmed anything officially, the breadcrumb trail feels planned. The website focuses on “returning to our roots” in its mission statement, which aligns perfectly with revisiting their most requested title.
How Does This Stack Up Against Modern Remasters?
If New Radical Games announces a The Simpsons Hit and Run remake, it enters a crowded but profitable field. Recent remakes like Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Rebirth set high bars with full rebuilds rather than simple upscales. Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition showed how wrong these projects can go when rushed.
From what we’ve seen, the studio understands current standards. Their new site mentions “updating classics” in its about section, suggesting they know fans want more than a resolution bump. A proper remake would need rebuilt controls, upgraded textures, and possibly new content to compete with current open-world standards set by games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What games did New Radical Games develop?
The studio created Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, The Simpsons Hit and Run, Prototype, and Prototype 2. They also built several Crash Bandicoot titles during the PlayStation 2 era and The Simpsons Road Rage.
Is The Simpsons Hit and Run coming to Nintendo Switch?
No official announcement confirms a Switch release yet. However, given the game’s appearance on New Radical Games’ website, a multi-platform remaster including Switch seems likely if work proceeds.
Why did Activision close Radical Entertainment?
Activision shut down the studio in 2012 following poor sales of Prototype 2, which sold about 400,000 copies in its first month compared to the original’s stronger performance.
Who owns the rights to The Simpsons Hit and Run?
Electronic Arts currently holds the only license for The Simpsons video games, while Disney owns the IP. Any remake would require complex talks between New Radical Games, EA, and Disney.
When will New Radical Games announce their first project?
The studio hasn’t confirmed a date, but based on our research, many industry watchers expect news in early 2025 given the timing of their website launch.
New Radical Games has returned at the perfect moment to capitalize on the remake boom. Whether they deliver the The Simpsons Hit and Run remaster fans crave or surprise us with something entirely new, their comeback injects fresh energy into the open-world genre. Keep your eyes on their website and prepare for what could be the revival of the year.
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