In a recent interview, chief Jim Ward outlined some of the developer's targets for the future, after coming under increasing flack for the quality of their games; and even suffering several disappointments and product cancellations. When asked about the dirge in original developments at the studio, Ward replied by stating that the firm's focus remains all about the licences in their possession, specifically:

"We have three main goals. One is to re-stimulate the STAR WARS IP with high quality games. Secondly we're going to reinvigorate the Indiana Jones IP, which basically has been stagnant for years."

More worryingly, from an originality perspective, Ward added: "There's no reason that Indiana Jones can't be a and have a year-in, year-out great representation of that brand, and take the advantage of the fact that in the next couple of years, there will be a new Indiana Jones movie..." Whilst it seems cruel to dismiss LucasArts' new games before we even know about them, it is most disconcerting to hear them venturing down the same path as - where licence and veneer are all; and inspiration and creativity take a back seat. We'll keep our noses to the ground.

By Luke Guttridge