EA have kept their mouths shut for quite some time about this game but it’s official as of today, the next installment in the Def Jam games is called Def Jam: Icon and it’ll only be available on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. EA Chicago who’ve partially developed Fight Night 3 will be partnering up with Def Jam Interactive to bring you this game.

According to Kudo Tsunoda, executive producer and General Manager of EA Chicago, Music is the cornerstone of hip-hop culture, and they want to incorporate these elements into the actual gameplay mechanics. How they’re exactly planning on doing that is unknown. The role of the environments will be changed quite drastically, they’re moving from lifeless arenas to environments that play an instrumental part in the fight where they will react to the music.

As you can see on the 4 screenshots released below, famous rappers and other celebrities will make their appearance in the game for some over the top violence. As far as I can tell it doesn’t look as good as Fight Night 3 though but considering this game has more open arenas and more background action this is probably not that relevant. You might as well spot some glitches on there so it’s not quite unthinkable that we might see some improvement in the graphics department.

EA Chicago is delivering star-stunning action and bone breaking beats as players live out the life of a hip hop mogul, going from rags to riches. Incorporating hip-hop culture into every aspect of the game, DEF JAM: ICON will deliver the intensity of a no-holds-barred street fight but with style and rhythm. Music will effect how players fight in each venue and environmental interactions and hazards will become a key strategy to staying alive.

EA Chicago’s unique fighting gameplay controls introduce a new way for gamers to fight as they assume the role of top celebrity characters such as Ludacris, T.I. and Big Boi. Innovative controls give better feedback to players so they feel like they’re actually throwing the combat moves. Gamers can now fight with the style and flash of the superstar personalities.

“The Def Jam Interactive – EA relationship has expanded into a new frontier with EA Chicago’s breakthrough technology. We have worked very closely with the team to ensure that authentic hip-hop culture and lifestyle permeates through every part of the product. DEF JAM: ICON will guarantee the ultimate combination of a real hip-hop experience and revolutionary fighting gameplay,” said Lauren Wirtzer, VP Marketing, Def Jam Enterprises.

The game will be available Q4 2007.