Joe Budden has a theory as to why the classic Def Jam Vendetta video game has never received a reboot.
Speaking to Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero on their 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Budden — who appeared in the fan-favorite original alongside several other rappers — guessed that money issues were stopping a reboot from happening.
He said: “I’m not involved in those talks but I imagine that would be the hold up. Gaming is big. If the business is right, we should definitely do that. Music should have more of a presence in the video game world outside of n-ggas just going round your house for a 2K party or whatever.”
He added: “It seems like they’re trying to redline this shit and keep it to themselves. If they gonna do that, then fuck ’em, I’m not with it. But if they’re down to come talk [business]… They gotta get it right.”
Ice-T, who also appeared in the 2003 game as well as its sequel Def Jam: Fight For NY, recently suggested that money was in fact the hold up behind any new Def Jam games.
He said on X (formerly Twitter): “So many people ask me why this game hasn’t been brought back for the newer consoles. Maybe because they’d have to pay for voice and music rights again. Maybe?”
Responding to fans calling for a remake, the gangsta rap legend said: “Here’s the BIG problem.. I don’t think they paid ANY of us ANYTHING to be in that original game… I know I didn’t get any type of substantial money. It was a situation where you didn’t want to be left OUT of the game. Well….. Yesterday’s price is not Today’s price..!”
Ice-T also reminded fans that he has appeared in other video games and was paid for his work: “Yes sir! ‘Mad Dog’ the Boss. GTA paid me though… lol So did Gears of War.. ‘Griffen.’”
There were five Def Jam video games released between 2003 and 2010 where gamers could play as rappers such as DMX, Method Man, Ludacris and The Game.
Def Jam themselves previously teased a return of the series in 2020.
The label said if their X (then Twitter) page hits one million followers, they would announce something special for fans. Unfortunately, no announcement was made regarding a video game once they reached that mark.
A number of other Hip Hop-related video games have also been made such as 50 Cent: Bulletproof, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style and DJ Hero.
A lot of gamers would love the first two games to be rebooted and sold in a package. But my guess is it would be hard to pull up due to music and artist copyright. Add in the cost of remakes/production and Def Jam might not see it being financially sustainable enough. I would love to see it though!!!
The game is geared towards a hip hop fan base that are now in their 40’s. Can they depend on enough 40 year old gamers who are also 90’s hip hop fans to support the game in order to outweigh the costs? Probably not.
Nah…Def Jam’s heyday is long over.
I used to play Fight for New York on PS2. IDK how Joe became the spokesman of it all of a sudden. If it comes out again, ill be sure Joe Budden corny ass catches a fade first.