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[PR] Namco Bandai Networks Launches a Mobile Game with Real X Factor
Written by Modojo Staff on Monday, August 20, 2007
London - NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd today announced the launch of
a brand new mobile game based on the hit television show, The X Factor
following a deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises, the commercial
division of FremantleMedia and licensor of The X Factor brand. The game
will be available for UK and ROI mobile gamers to download from all
major mobile operators, including Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile, Orange and 3.
"The X Factor is one of television's crown jewels, with millions of
viewers regularly tuning in. As a result, there are very few
entertainment brands as visible and appealing, which makes it a perfect
brand for creating mobile games," said Masaji Okubo, Managing Director
of NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd. "Mobile games based on TV shows
are proven sellers in every country, so such a well-known brand will
perfectly compliment the other best selling games in our portfolio."
In The X Factor mobile game, players must guide their character through
a number of auditions, which take the form of mini games. The mobile
game mirrors the look and feel of the TV show, with players being
graded on their 'performance' and awarded with popularity points.
Depending on how well they perform, the judges will be supportive or
witheringly critical, with the comments swaying the votes of the
public. The ultimate aim of the game is to launch a single and get to
number one in the charts - but to do so, players will need to keep the
judges and the public happy.
The launch of the mobile game in the UK is part of a broader
multi-year, multi-territory agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises,
which grants NAMCO BANDAI rights to develop, publish and distribute
mobile phone games based on The X Factor television format.
Mark Newton, Executive Vice President, EMEA of FremantleMedia
Enterprises' licensing division, added: "We are always looking at
innovative ways to translate our brands into the multi-media space and
mobile is a very important medium for us. We want to offer fans of our
shows ways to interact with their favourite brands whenever, wherever
and however they want and we're really pleased to be working with NAMCO
BANDAI Networks to create experiences that provide both a much broader
and deeper relationship with The X Factor TV show."
Local versions of The X Factor have launched in 10 territories to date,
with a fourth season of the award-winning show launching tomorrow on
ITV in the UK. Mobile games based on television shows have been
consistent best sellers, with games based on familiar shows topping the
UK's ELSPA mobile download chart for four months out of the last six.
The X Factor is created by Simon Cowell and co-produced in the UK by
his entertainment company, SyCo TV, and talkbackTHAMES, the UK
production company owned by FremantleMedia, for ITV.
About NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd.
NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd. is one of the companies comprising
the newly formed BANDAI NAMCO Group, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. On
29th September, 2005, BANDAI Co., Ltd and NAMCO LIMITED implemented a
management integration to compete more effectively on the global stage
in the fast-changing entertainment industry and deliver future growth.
The resulting BANDAI NAMCO Group is a global entertainment operation
involved in business fields ranging from toys, video game software and
visual software to amusement machines & facilities and network content.
More information about NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Ltd, its products
and services can be found online at www.namcomobile.com
About FremantleMedia Enterprises FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) is
the commercial arm of FremantleMedia and comprises of Fremantle
International Distribution (FID), FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide
(FLW) and Fremantle Home Entertainment (FHE).
FID has a network of international sales offices and licenses over
19,000 hours of programmes to 150 countries worldwide. FID's
programming comes from in-house UK producer, talkbackTHAMES and from an
increasing number of independent producers in the UK and
internationally. Recent international successes include US
ratings-toppers The Apprentice: Donald Trump and The Apprentice: Martha
Stewart, hugely successful fashion reality series, Project Runway
starring Heidi Klum, exquisite Brook Lapping production Catherine the
Great and the music event special, Britney Spears: In the Zone.
FLW is the licensing division of FremantleMedia and exploits the
company's many strong brands including the award winning international
format, Idols and the cult children's classics, Rainbow and
DangerMouse, across multiple off-screen platforms including
merchandising campaigns, interactive and wireless support and music
publishing. FHE is the home entertainment arm of FremantleMedia.
FremantleMedia is one of the largest international creators and
producers of programme brands in the world, with leading prime time
entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment
programming produced in over 25 territories. International drama
programmes include Germany's top rated serial drama, Gute Zeiten,
Schlechte Zeiten (Good Times Bad Times), the UK's most successful
police drama, The Bill, and Australia's top serial drama, Neighbours.
The company's entertainment and factual entertainment hits range from
the award winning international format, Idols, broadcast as the prime
time show, American Idol, on FOX in the US, to the grime-busting
format, How Clean is Your House? and factual entertainment series
starring celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, Jamie's Kitchen, as well as
long-running gameshows like The Price Is Right. FremantleMedia is the
production business of the RTL Group, Europe's largest television and
radio broadcast company. www.fremantlemedia.com
