A2M Changes Name and Announces Two New Titles

The CEO of Behviour Interactive discusses the reason for the name change and what the studios are up to.

A2M, the creative minds behind the third-person shooter Wet, have recently decided on a name change. The company, once known as Artificial Mind and Movement, has now become Behaviour Interactive, and they have two new titles on the way: Wet 2 and Naughty Bear 2.

According to Kotaku, who discussed the name change with Behaviour Interactive CEO, Rémi Racine, the switch came about merely because they felt that they "needed a better name." According to Racine, the company they hired to help them decide on their new name explained that "the name isn't as important as what you do with it."

Though they were asked about the two sequels currently in development by their Montreal studio, Racine declined to provide further details. He did, however reveal that the team based in Santiago, Chile is focusing on XBLA and PSN titles. The additional development teams at the Montreal studio are currently working on several projects, including Sims 3 for Wii, portable titles, and an online game which, according to Racine, "will be launched in the beginning of the year with major media partner."

Jason Ross Senior Editor

11/08/2010 at 06:16 PM

That middle paragraph is just... weird. They gave up the name "Artificial Mind and Movement" for "bEHAVIOUR Interactive," which is arguably about equal in quality.

Then, their CEO says that "...the name isn't as important as what you do with it." So they get a terrible name, and then announce a sequel to a terrible game in Naughty Bear 2. Why hire a company to decide your company's name? Why not get your team together, your higher ups and all that, and get them to focus on the goals and characteristics of your company, creating a name based on that, instead?

Eh, oh well. Maybe their sequels will be better by large margins, all thanks to their mediocre name switch...

Chessa DiMola Assistant Director

11/08/2010 at 07:02 PM

I was quite literally enraged when I read this article on Kotaku. Not because I care even a little bit about A2M changing their name, but because I've now been sentenced to playing another round of Naughty Bear...blech.

Nate Hascup Staff Alumnus

11/08/2010 at 07:03 PM

Is it really that bad? The new trailer looked hilarious.

11/08/2010 at 07:22 PM

Yes, it is really that bad.

Whoops! Double post. Regardless, yeah. It's a bad game.

Stanton Daries Staff Alumnus

11/09/2010 at 10:20 AM

When you mess up teddy bears viciously killing each other, you know you need to rethink your strategy.

Our Take

Nick DiMola Director

11/09/2010 at 12:02 PM

You know what, I think there is actually some serious potential for Naughty Bear 2 not to suck. They definitely got the baseline down in the first one, but their execution was piss poor.

If they can just refine the concept, improve the engine, and make some variety in their levels, you could be looking at a fun game. Of course, based on the last one, it's hard to believe these guys have any idea of what they're doing.

11/09/2010 at 06:01 PM

Hence the name change?

PixlBit