Def Jam fighting games probably never coming back, Ice T admits

Very few games in existence have had quite the impact like the Def Jam series published by Electronic Arts. Basically, this is a fighting series in which you could play as some of the most iconic hip hop rappers of all time and get into fisty cuffs.

Developed by EA Chicago and AKI Corporation, the Def Jam series was over the top, brutal and ultimately, it was a lot of fun. It didn't matter whether you were a fan of hip hop music or not, legions of fans enjoyed the simplistic brilliance of each title and at the very least, it may have introduced gamers to its music genre inspiration.

Check out the Def Jam: Fight for New York trailer below!

The first game in the series was Def Jam Vendetta released for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube in 2003, and several successful sequels and spin-offs followed. Sadly, at least in terms of mainline entries, the last game in the series was Def Jam: Icon in 2007. This series allowed us to play as the likes of Snoop Dogg, Method Man, Busta Rhymes, Lil’ Kim, Ice-T and much more. The latter of which is today’s topic of discussion.

In a tweet, legendary rapper Ice-T addressed a commonly asked question, will the Def Jam series ever make a triumphant return? After all, fans have been petitioning for the return of Def Jam for years. Sadly, it appears not to be good news and Ice-T explained why.

“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?” he said in a tweet.

Elaborating on another tweet when a fan suggested that even an HD remaster would make Electronic Arts millions of dollars, Ice-T explained: “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..!”

So, there you have it, don’t go holding your breath hoping that the Def Jam series will one day make a return. That being said, I am a firm believer in the saying “never, say never”. So what are you waiting for EA, make it happen! Pretty please.