Console Game For THE X FACTOR

Deep Silver has today announced an exclusive agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) to produce a multi-territory console game based on hit talent show The X Factor.

With versions for the Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Wii™ and PlayStation®3, the game will be available from Q4 2010 in multiple languages in numerous European territories where the show is made including the UK, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

The game will capture the excitement and entertainment of the TV show and will include auditions, boot camp and judges’ houses levels as well as several game modes from individual career to duets and battles so family and friends can all enjoy together.

“To be able to work with a phenomenal brand such as The X Factor is an incredible opportunity,” said Georg Larch, International Marketing Director, Deep Silver. “The X Factor is a truly global brand which is instantly recognisable to thousands of gamers and TV fans around the world.  With the developer, Hydravision Entertainment, Deep Silver will be creating a game that is a true adaptation of the show from the hilarity of the auditions to the excitement of the live show; we will be testing the singing skills of the player and will feature the sharp critique of the judges.”

Mark Newton, EVP Licensing EMEA, FME commented, “The X Factor has proven a massive global success with local versions being produced now in more than 20 countries including France, Belgium, Denmark and more, and through FME’s global network we can take advantage of market opportunities and give fans even more ways to engage with the brand on different platforms. We needed partners with the same multi-territory approach and commitment to quality, so Hydravision and Deep Silver were a natural choice.”

The first series of The X Factor, coproduced by FremantleMedia company talkbackTHAMES and Simon Cowell’s Syco TV, began in September 2004 in the UK. A panel of expert judges from the music industry preside over initial auditions, with audience votes coming into play during the later live shows featuring the selected contestants in four distinct categories, one assigned to each of the four judges (14-24 year old boys, 14-24 year old girls, over 25s and groups). The X Factor is open to all ages, all styles, solo acts or groups. And the performers aren’t the only ones competing – it’s judge v judge, artist v artist. The format has been sold to more than 20 countries, often rating as the number one show.

Deep Silver will publish the game The X Factor for the Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 and Wii™.

ABOUT FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES & FREMANTLEMEDIA:
FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and radio broadcast company, which is in turn 90 percent owned by Bertelsmann AG, one of the world's major media and entertainment companies. FremantleMedia’s worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world’s highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes talkbackTHAMES, UFA and Grundy amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating nearly 10,000 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world’s most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally, produces such programmes as: Idols (coproduced with 19 Productions in the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK), Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in 3/3 the UK and the US), Neighbours, The Bill, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife and Hole In The Wall.
www.fremantlemedia.com