A new version of the classic MechWarrior property is in development for videogames. Creator Jordan Wiesman has been working on the new version with Vancouver-based Piranha Games for the last six months.  It will not be a follow-on product to MechWarrior 4 (the last product for which was released in 2002); it will be a full reboot, titled just MechWarrior.  Wiesman’s Smith and Tinker acquired the rights from Microsoft in 2007. 

According to an interview with Weisman and Piranha Games President Russ Bullock on IGN, the developers hope to significant expand the realism of the game from the earlier incarnations, taking advantage of technological improvements since 2002.  They hope to include a full single-player campaign, a four-player co-op campaign, and a full multiplayer suite.

The game is being developed for PC and Xbox.  The developers are seeking a publisher.

As a celebration of BattleTech’s 25th anniversary, and as another way to revive interest in the property, Smith & Tinker has authorized MekTek Studios to distribute the full MechWarrior 4 line, including expansion packs, free. 

Mechwarrior was used as the basis for a WizKids Collectible Miniatures Game, although WizKids ceased production of new products some time before the company was shut down last year.  BattleTech products are being released by Catalyst Game Labs (see “Origins Award Winners”).