Atari to bring Luc Besson story to games alongside film release
Posted by M (18 Dec 2005, 10:04 p.m. NZDT)
Atari has signed an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with the EuropaCorp Group for the development, publishing and distribution of video games based on world famous film director and writer Luc Besson's Arthur and the Minimoys.
Directly inspired by the animated film of the same name, which is currently in production, the game is currently in development for PlayStation 2, PSP, DS, Game Boy Advance, and PC, and is planned for release simultaneously with the film at the end of 2006.
"We are pleased and proud to take part in this international adventure and EuropaCorp's forthcoming film. Arthur and the Minimoys is sure to be an animation blockbuster. Technology will really bring out the sensitivity and energy of the world Luc Besson has created. By working with the film crew from day one, not only have we stayed extremely faithful to the film, but we have also developed parallel adventures specifically for the game, which should be popular with the public," said Atari Group Chairman Bruno Bonnell.
"When you make a children's film, your primary intent is to introduce kids to a new world that is both fantastic and exciting. Atari's video game will keep the film's adventure alive by allowing players to step into the characters' shoes to explore and try to save the world of the Minimoys," says Luc Besson.
The game allows players to relive the fantastic adventure of young Arthur and his two pals, Selenia and Bétamèche, in their mission to save the Minimoys' world from destruction. The game will incorporate Besson's entire Minimoy universe and its tiny inhabitants (just a couple of millimetres tall) with the richness and "extraordinary visuals" of the film.
The game concept revolves around the teamwork of the trio (Arthur, Selenia and Bétamèche): players can only progress by combining the three characters' skills. In solving mysteries and overcoming obstacles, players will realise that anything is possible when you work together.
The PS2 and PC versions are in production with Lyon- and Paris-based Etranges Libellules, creator of several successful animated games, including Asterix XXL and Kirikou. The PSP, Nintendo DS and Nintendo Game Boy Advance versions are also currently in development.
Arthur and the Minimoys was originally a four-volume literary adventure written by Luc Besson, with more than 950,000 books sold in France alone, and translations into over 20 different languages to date. The film has the highest budget ever for a European animated film (US$85 million) and is currently being filmed using three technologies (2D CG, 3D CG and film) and a unique graphical style. Voices and original music for the film by internationally renowned artists including David Bowie, Madonna, and Snoop Dogg.
