DNA Interactive to Develop Merlin Game App

LONDON: DNA Interactive has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) to design, develop and market a mobile game based on the TV series Merlin.

DNA will develop the game using its cross-platform Rapid Application Development tool, the Slam Engine, for iOS and Android platforms with a release set for the first quarter of 2012. Based on the TV series, the game will be an episodic point-and-click fantasy-adventure featuring a young Merlin on a quest to help Arthur and Guinevere.

FME holds the exclusive distribution, home entertainment and licensing rights to Merlin and has sold the television series, which was recently commissioned by the BBC for its fourth season, to more than 52 broadcasters in 183 countries, including Syfy in the U.S., CTV in Canada, Network Ten in Australia, MICO in Japan and RTL in Germany. In addition to its licensing agreement with DNA for mobile gaming apps, FME has secured licensing deals to produce other multi-territory Merlin-branded products.

Ed Blincoe, the CEO of DNA Interactive, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing to iOS and Android gamers a fun, challenging and highly interactive gaming experience based on the much-loved Merlin brand. The television show currently entertains tens of millions of viewers worldwide. The wealth of content and global awareness of the brand is sure to contribute to the ultimate success of Merlin, the Game; and, in turn, positively impact DNA’s revenue growth in the coming year.”

Martin Ogden, the commercial development manager for FremantleMedia, added, “Merlin continues to grow in popularity all over the world and we are delighted to further extend our international licensing program with Merlin, the Game, which offers fans of the series a new and exciting way to interact with the brand.”