Over 3 million people tune into the syndicated court TV show, "Judge Mathis," every day. But Judge Greg Mathis is not reaching troubled youth through television. As a result, Mathis has teamed up with Hollywood filmmaker Matty Rich (The Inkwell, Straight Out of Brooklyn) to create an original videogame for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC called Mathis "Detroit" Street Judge.
Rather than going the traditional TV-licensed root of turning a courtroom format virtual, Rich and Mathis are crafting a third-person perspective, open world shooter set in the ghettos of Detroit. Players will step into the role of convicted felon La-Ron Washington, who’s been released from prison early due to overcrowding but has two strikes hanging over his head. La-Ron is given one last chance; he must stay out of trouble, perform community services and avoid negative street influences and temptations. One more strike and La-Ron gets a life sentence from Judge Mathis. But out on the street, the entire Detroit underworld wants him dead for the alleged murder of a crime boss – a murder he didn't commit.
"I know that the most popular game out there is Grand Theft Auto IV and I know that a lot of young video game players like the (virtual) action of criminal activity," said Mathis. "In this game, we're giving them that action and adding the option of living a mainstream, successful life. They have the combination of an action-packed criminal activity, as well as the opportunity to turn their lives around and pursue a level of success, as I did after leaving my background in the world of crime."
Mathis was a Detroit gang member who dropped out of school, was in and out of jail, and then overcame these adversities to become the youngest judge in the history of the state of Michigan. When he's not filming his hit TV show, Mathis remains connected to his hometown, where he runs a youth community center. He sees this video game as a way to teach today's youth to stay out of crime.
"I see this game as a way for young players to be part of the glamorous thug life that is so popular in the hip-hop culture without them actually indulging in the life," explained Mathis. "Video games allow you to obtain the fulfillment of their fascination with that lifestyle without being in it. We're not going to stop the violent genre of video games like Grand Theft Auto, so instead you try to engage it in a way that allows them to obtain the fulfillment they're looking for but also give them the choice of going the mainstream successful life."
Rich said the theme of this game is "Play with games, not with guns."
"The judge has an impeccable reputation of being one of the most local leaders in the youth community of keeping it real," added Rich. "Giving these young gamers the choice between good and bad through in-game video sequences and narration, the Judge will be the source of reason for gamers. The wonderful thing about working with the judge is that he knows the streets, but he also knows what it takes to get out of the slums of Detroit – hard work, education, determination."
Mathis is more than just another celebrity getting involved in games. He's actually a gamer. He spends time playing games like Madden NFL 09, NBA 2K9, and yes, Grand Theft Auto IV, with his sons.
"The main difference between our game and Grand Theft Auto is that players will have to deal with the justice system and consequences for their actions," said Mathis. "When you go to prison, you gain credibility when you come back on the streets. On the other hand, when you go to prison you can also be raped. So take your chances. We may see young people who make the wrong choice and go to prison and are assaulted repeatedly (in this game)."Both Rich and Mathis believe that it's important for games to serve as more than just entertainment for today's youth. Mathis "Detroit" Street Judge will offer life lessons.
Rich recently opened his own game company in Los Angeles, Matty Rich Games. He previously served as the director of Ubisoft's 2005 urban-based driving game, 187 Ride or Die, overseeing a team in Paris and Shanghai. Mathis "Detroit" Street Judge, which is due out at the end of this year, will be the first game from his new game company. Rich has a first-look deal with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to publish the game. He's working with executive producers Judge Mathis and Gus Blackmon on this project. Rich will continue making movies and plans on filming a period piece later this year. He also has two additional game projects in the works.
http://videogames.yahoo.com/feature/tv-s-quot-judge-mathis-quot-goes-virtual-in-new-shooter-game/1302181
