EMI recording artist and virtual band Gorillaz has teamed with media company Static 2358 to develop interactive TV content. A new game called Zombie Kong, featuring all four of the animated band members, will debut to more than 5.7 million digital satellite homes in the U.K., Friday, February 22, 2002 on Static's interactive television channel PlayJam. Game play involves viewers using their TV remote to control Gorillaz band member Noodle and help her find her way through 12 different levels. Top scorers are eligible for exclusive Gorillaz prizes including merchandise and backstage passes for a Gorillaz live gig. Gorillaz is the brainchild of Blur lead singer Damon Albarn, and TANK GIRL creator Jamie Hewlett, and the band has sold 4 million copies of its debut album to date. The multimedia-friendly aspect of an animated band has given Gorillaz exposure on multiple formats and they are the first band to develop an interactive television game. Creators Albarn and Hewlett have also indicated the future of Gorillaz includes a feature film. Bbc.com reported that Albarn has stated the next album will be a soundtrack for a movie and Hewlett told BBC Radio Four's Front Row program that the Gorillaz film will be "a story about the characters. It will give a strong idea about what we think about celebrities and the pop world." No confirmation yet as to whether there is a production company for this venture but AWN is inquiring.
