Peaky Blinders Virtual Reality Game to Bow in 2020

Endemol Shine Group has aligned with start-up immersive entertainment studio Maze Theory to create a virtual reality game for the BAFTA-winning drama series Peaky Blinders.

Launching in spring 2020, the game will use artificial intelligence (AI) technology to allow players to immerse themselves in the series, responding to characters’ gestures, movements and voices in real time. Maze Theory has been awarded full funding from the government’s Audience of the Future Programme for the development of the game’s AI.

From Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions for the BBC, Peaky Blinders was created and written by Steven Knight. The series, which is distributed by Endemol Shine International across more than 180 countries, follows the leaders of the eponymous crime gang on their exploits in early 20th-century England.

When it launches next year, the game will be available across all VR platforms and localized for key international territories. If players successfully complete their mission in the game, they will earn their cap and become a fully-fledged member of the gang.

Government Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “Success stories like Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit and BAFTA-winning Peaky Blinders are part of the reason why our creative industries are truly world-leading—attracting audiences both here in the U.K. and internationally and helping create a sector already worth some £100 billion to our economy.”

Russell Harding, executive producer at Maze Theory, said: “This is Maze Theory’s first AI enhanced immersive drama, and we are incredibly excited about the unrivaled and entirely new experience this gives players. They will literally be part of Peaky Blinders’ world and be able to interact with characters in ways no one can predict. Fans of the cult show have been calling out for this type of experience, and we’re honored to be giving it to them. This is the future of entertainment!”

Knight said: “I’m really excited by the prospect of Peaky Blinders entering new territory. People who love the show will love the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world in such a total way.”

Anil Mistry, director of games and gambling at Endemol Shine Group, said: “This is a unique VR experience, developed with cutting edge technology, which will allow Peaky Blinders fans to totally immerse themselves in the world of the Shelby brothers. As we continue to explore exciting new ways for our audiences to enjoy their favorite show, this is a great addition to our growing Peaky Blinders games portfolio.”

Jamie Glazebrook, executive producer at Caryn Mandabach Productions, added: “I couldn’t be more excited to see Peaky Blinders re-imagined as a VR game and for our fans to have the chance to experience the series in this way.”