HBO & Bigpoint to Develop 'Game of Thrones' Online Game

Press release from Bigpoint:

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- Bigpoint [1] – a global leader in online video games –announced it will provide an exclusive first look into the pre-production of the upcoming Game of Thrones browser-based massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), at the Game Developers Conference. Bigpoint has partnered with HBO to develop the game inspired by the network's critically acclaimed television show, Game of Thrones, adapted from the bestselling fantasy book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R.R. Martin. The game [2] will be set within the fictional, medieval world of Westeros and its Seven Kingdoms, where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime. Bigpoint will discuss the game's development with select journalists at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco next week, March 7-9.

"With a rich and complex story, expressed through an amazing level of detail, it's easy to see why the HBO series, Game of Thrones, has amassed an army of fans worldwide," said Heiko Hubertz, CEO and founder, Bigpoint. "We intend to build a game that resonates intimately with its diehard community of followers, while also creating an authentic gaming experience that attracts newcomers to the franchise. The excitement of online games is that, over time, their collective input will help shape the game's destiny; we're eager to see how the story unfolds."

Bigpoint's design goal is to capture the show's compelling drama and action and create a visceral gaming experience via an unprecedented level of visual fidelity. The bloodthirsty struggle for power, corruption, and deception will persist. To ensure survival of their dynasty, players must master combat and politics.

"Game of Thrones is set in a mythical fantasy world and features compelling stories of honor, adventure and the struggle to conquer your opponents, a narrative that lends itself perfectly to gaming," states Martin.   

"The creation of a Game of Thrones online role-playing game is a perfect natural extension to the series.  The show has resonated extremely well with fans so we think they will be terribly excited to have an opportunity to be personally immersed in all the action," explained series executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss.  "As a gamer I couldn't be happier seeing the series translated to this medium and can't wait to play it," added Weiss.

Bigpoint has selected seasoned Norwegian development studio, Artplant [3], as its development partner for this project. The title will be built atop the Unity development platform, the technology behind several of Bigpoint's breakthrough titles, including Battlestar Galactica Online, which Artplant also helped develop. Over 80 million consumers have installed the Unity plug-in, which enables them to play extremely high-fidelity games through their web browsers.

The design and the pre-production phase of the game began last summer, and an initial closed beta is planned for fall 2012. Journalists interested in receiving an overview of the project should contact Bigpoint's U.S. PR team to schedule a briefing. All briefings will take place in Bigpoint's booth, (North Hall, #702). Fans are encouraged to visit: http://www.GameofThronesMMO.com/ [2] for more information.

About Bigpoint
Bigpoint [1] is an online-game developer, publisher and content provider for more than 1000 global distribution partners. Bigpoint's free-to-play games are played by over 250 million registered users in over 25 languages. The company's portfolio includes casual, core, and hardcore titles, including Battlestar Galactica Online, The Mummy Online, and Drakensang Online. Over 800 employees from more than 35 countries work together at Bigpoint offices in Hamburg, Berlin, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, and Malta. For more information please visit www.bigpoint.net [4].

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