Ubisoft's adaptation of Peter Jackson's forthcoming movie set for an E3...

In a joint statement Ubisoft and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group have today announced that the videogames adaptation of Peter Jackson’s King Kong will be unveiled at E3 next week. Developed at Ubisoft’s Montpelier studios, King Kong is set for a Winter 2005 release with further next-gen titles set to follow in 2006.

“Ubisoft is thrilled to be collaborating with Peter Jackson, Wingnut Films and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group to make Peter Jackson’s King Kong video game an unforgettable experience,” said Yves Guillemot, president and chief executive officer of Ubisoft. “The game exceeds any previous movie-based title in graphic quality and adaptation of a storyline while taking full advantage of the strengths of the interactive video game experience. Peter Jackson’s King Kong will be Ubisoft’s most impressive and successful game of 2005.”

Beth Goss, Executive Vice President of Universal Studios Consumer Products Group added, "King Kong has provided the unique opportunity to put two visionary storytellers – Peter Jackson and Michel Ancel – together to create an extraordinary piece of interactive entertainment. This video game has been a great adventure, both in its development and in the experience it will deliver to players."

Michel Ancel, Creative Director at Ubisoft, regarded as one of the top innovative minds in the video game industry, and his team at Ubisoft’s Montpellier (France) studio are working with Peter Jackson and Wingnut Films to capture and create the King Kong movie dynamics through a unique video game experience.

"It's an absolute pleasure working with Ubisoft on the video game," said triple Academy Award® winner and King Kong director Peter Jackson. "Being able to collaborate closely together from day one is of utmost importance, which is why we've given Ubisoft unlimited access to every creative aspect of our film production. We really want the game and the film to be part of the same universe."

“We’re amazed by Peter Jackson’s creativity and what he brings to the project,” said Michel Ancel, creative director at Ubisoft. “Peter Jackson’s King Kong is a creation that closely follows the storyline of the movie yet, as video games have the innate ability to do, will push the emotional tension of the film to even greater depths. We are incorporating content directly from Weta, some of which is exclusive, and creating unprecedented gameplay that will lead players into an emotional journey featuring epic battles, tough choices and a dynamic experience in a visually stunning environment.”

With the creator of Rayman and Beyond Good and Evil on board, it’s hoped that King Kong will make a successful transition to the videogame market – we’ll have more on the game at E3 next week...