Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment Launches PDA-Based Game For Revolution Studios & Columbia Pictures' 'The One'
Media Revolution Designs First-Ever Interactive Hand-Held Game On Behalf of Major Motion Picture Release
PRNewswire
LOS ANGELES
10/04/2001
Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment today announced plans to take "advergaming" from the desktop to the hand-held device with the launch of an interactive PDA-based game to promote Revolution Studios & Columbia Pictures' "The One" (http://www.sony.com/theone). The announcement marks the first time that a studio has created a PDA-based game on behalf of a major motion picture release.
"The thematic elements of 'The One' fit perfectly with the idea of a PDA-based game," said Geoffrey Ammer, President of Marketing for Sony Pictures Entertainment. "This is a great way to get the storyline of the movie out and pave the way for users to have an even more enhanced movie-going experience."
In "The One," parallel universes collide when a rogue agent assigned to monitor these universes begins eliminating versions of himself in each alternate reality. Assuming more energy and power with each version he destroys, he must finally confront the one man standing between himself and his ultimate goal... to be "The One." The film, starring Jet Li, Delroy Lindo, Carla Gugino and Jason Statham and directed by James Wong, is scheduled for release on November 2, 2001.
"The introduction of this game demonstrates Sony's commitment to deliver to and connect with consumers through a variety of multimedia devices," said Tim Chambers, Senior Vice President of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment's Advanced Platforms Group. "We're ready to continue our innovation and success in this arena and further our commitment to meeting our customers anywhere, at anytime on multiple platforms."
"The One" game, designed by Media Revolution, simulates combat between two players inspired by the Pa Kwa martial arts style used in the film. Players can fight computer-generated opponents or other users. In the spirit of the film, players grow more powerful with each victory over another player. While game action is animated, the emphasis is on strategy and not arcade-style action. More powerful players enjoy an advantage against newer players in matches, but less powerful players can turn the tables by out-thinking their opponents. To simulate the seek-and-destroy feeling of the film, less experienced players are encouraged to find and challenge more experienced players, and are rewarded for victories. While users can play the game indefinitely, their primary goal is to win 124 fights against other users, at which time they are declared "The One."
Highlights of "The One" game are:
-- Runs on Palm™ OS 3.51 or higher
-- Both grayscale and color versions which will enable more
device support
-- Challenge-based and single-player options
-- Numerous HotSync capabilities which will:
1. Automatically connect to "The One" website to update game
stats, send challenge results, and get new challenges.
2. Allow users to go to the website and challenge friends
to play.
3. Enable players to send and receive challenges invisibly
when they HotSync their device.
4. Send Messages and art from "The One" to users each time
they HotSync.
5. Automatically update the website leaderboard with the
latest high scoring players.
Users will also be able to play the game at the film's official motion picture Web site, http://www.sony.com/theone.
About Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment
Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment (SPDE), an operating unit of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), oversees the activities of SPE's digital production and online assets including Sony Pictures Imageworks, Sony Online Entertainment, SoapCity, and all of the studio's online promotional presence. SPDE focuses on three areas: 1) producing and developing visual effects and computer-generated imaging (CGI), digital character animation, and original content for motion picture, television, online and PlayStation audiences; 2) developing new forms of online content, games and interactive programming; and 3) leading SPE's efforts to provide online, open-access video-on-demand, interactive television and the distribution of new forms of digital content and services over the emerging broadband IP (Internet Protocol) networks.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a division of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television production and distribution, worldwide channel investments, home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment products, services and technologies, and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.spe.sony.com/.
About Revolution Studios
Joe Roth formed Revolution Studios in January, 2000. Revolution Studios independently produces and finances films, partnering with three of the premiere media companies in the world -- Sony Pictures, Starz Encore Group & Fox Entertainment Group. Revolution Studios has also partnered with today's box-office powerhouses Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis and Adam Sandler, to produce and star in Revolution Studios films. Among the films Revolution Studios will soon be releasing are: "The New Guy" with D.J. Qualls and Eddie Griffin, "Black Hawk Down" produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Ridley Scott, "Triple X" with Vin Diesel and an Untitled Paul Thomas Anderson film starring Adam Sandler.
About Media Revolution
Media Revolution (http://www.mediarevolution.com/) is a full-service integrated marketing agency that develops award-winning campaigns for digital environments. As leaders in creating compelling, easy-to-navigate digital environments, Media Revolution provides clients with solutions that offer significant opportunities to generate revenue, intensify brand awareness and extend their message to target audiences in unique customized way. This is strongly reflected in its work for DirectTV, DreamWorks SKG, 20th Century Fox, Paramount, Universal New Media, TBWA/Chiat/Day and many others. Media Revolution is a Microsoft Certified Partner and Macromedia and Real authorized developer.
SOURCE: Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment
Contact: Kristen Tarnol of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment,
+1-310-840-8234, ktarnol@sonypictures.com; or Jonathan Heit of Connors
Communications, +1-310-314-5402, jonathan@connors.com
Website: http://www.mediarevolution.com/
Website: http://www.sony.com/theone
Website: http://www.spe.sony.com/