"Desperate," "Lost" going mobile via Gameloft (Reuters)

SAN FRANCISCO (Hollywood Reporter) - Games based on moviesare common, but only recently have interactive entertainmentcompanies turned to TV shows for their inspiration. Mobile gamepublisher Gameloft, one of the leaders in this genre, is set toconfirm Monday (August 14) an exclusive multiyear agreementwith Touchstone Television to develop, publish and distributemobile games based on ABC's hit series "Lost" and "DesperateHousewives."

The first games from the pact will be released in January.

"The success of both 'Lost' and 'Desperate Housewives' hasbeen unparalleled," ABC Entertainment and Touchstone TV seniorvp business development Bruce Gersh said. "Both shows have ahuge following with deeply loyal fans, and we are confidentthat Gameloft, with their creative and talented pool ofproducers, will exceed those expectations and develop a gamethat captures the defining essence of each show."

"Lost" and "Housewives" are the latest TV shows thatGameloft has licensed. The publisher recently released itsfirst game based on Fox's "The O.C." That game, which featuresthe likenesses of cast members Benjamin McKenzie, Adam Brody,Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson, blends minigames with socialinteractions in such Newport Beach, Calif., locations from theshow as the pool house and the student lounge. New story eventsare generated every time a player starts a game.

"'The O.C.' was a perfect choice for us because the storyline, with all of its scandal, intrigue, suspense and drama,made for a great mobile game; it gave us a lot of room to playwith creatively," Gameloft president Michel Guillemot said."It's the same thing with 'Desperate Housewives' and 'Lost.'Both shows have a massive following that resonates withmillions of viewers each week."

TRIPLE TARGET

While the details on the first two ABC-licensed games havenot been finalized, Gameloft is working with the writers ofboth shows to ensure authenticity while adding new elements andintroducing original story lines.

"That's the great thing about 'Lost' and 'DesperateHousewives' -- the plots are continually changing and there isa new element of surprise added to every episode," Guillemotsaid.

Gameloft will appeal to three audiences with its TVlicenses. "O.C." targets the younger generation that has grownup with text messaging and ringback tunes. "Housewives" appealsto an older female demographic that might not use their cellphone for gaming, while "Lost" has a devoted following ofsci-fi fans, many of whom are likely fans of gadgets andtechnology.

Although the new TV-licensed shows will not feature thelikenesses or voices of cast members, Gameloft is working withthe TV networks to cross-promote the mobile games with the TVaudience. Guillemot expects additional games based on theseproperties to explore multiple genres.

Video game publisher Ubisoft is developing a separate"Lost" game for current- and next-generation consoles andhand-helds, which is expected to launch next year. Buena VistaGames will ship a "Housewives" PC game in the fall that willfeature the likenesses of all the main actors and the voice ofBrenda Strong.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

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