From the Press Release
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today revealed a new partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. to release a mobile game adaptation of the upcoming live-action film, Pixels. The free mobile game offers an innovative twist on traditional tower defense game mechanics; players can take the role of the heroic Arcaders from the film to defeat aliens before they destroy the world. For the first time, PAC-MAN, Q*bert and Frogger, along with other iconic game characters from the 80's, will be featured in one game.
“With a hilarious cast and an incredible roster of legendary gaming icons to play with, Pixels has all the makings of a breakout hit,” said Jeferson Valadares, General Manager and Vice President of Product Development at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Pixels is a celebration of some of the most beloved names we grew up with, and we’re ecstatic to deliver an experience that’s just as enjoyable on mobile devices as it is on the big screen.”
“With the Pixels mobile game, our goal is to capture the spirit of the movie and provide a new take on the popular tower defense genre of games. We have worked hard to reference some of the great action set pieces from the movie, casting players in the role of the movie’s heroes, the Arcaders,” said PAC-MAN producer Ben Acevedo.
Pixels is a 3D action-comedy about a group of heroes who must defend Earth from an invasion of aliens, who use retro video games – including BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment’s own PAC-MAN – as their methods of destruction. The film stars Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad and Brian Cox. The recent trailer release for Pixels generated 34.3 million views worldwide in its first 24 hours online, making it Sony Pictures Entertainment’s #1 trailer launch of all time.
“Pixels wouldn’t be possible without the enduring power of historic gaming figures like PAC-MAN, and we’re proud to team up with BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment to bring that joy back to the medium that inspired it with this new game,” said Mark Caplan, Sony Pictures’ Vice President, Consumer Products.
The Pixels mobile game will launch on smartphones and tablets ahead of the theatrical debut of Pixels, scheduled for July 24, 2015. For more details on the Pixels mobile game as they develop, please visit www.bandainamcoent.com and follow along at www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.
About the film “Pixels”
In Pixels, when intergalactic aliens misinterpret video-feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war against them, they attack the Earth, using the games as models for their various assaults. Directed by Chris Columbus, the screenplay is by Tim Herlihy and Timothy Dowling with a screen story by Tim Herlihy, based on the Short Film by Patrick Jean. The film is produced by Adam Sandler, Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, and Allen Covert.
About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive content — including all major video game consoles, iOS, mobile and online. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry's top video game franchises, including PAC-MAN®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, NARUTO™, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, Dragon Ball®, GALAGA®, RIDGE RACER® and ACE COMBAT®. More information about the company and its products can be found at www.bandainamcogames.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. For additional information, go to http://www.sonypictures.com.