Conan game being conceived by Paradox and DDM
A new Conan el bárbaro video game is being developed in a collaboration between Paradox, which holds the rights to the Hyborian adventurer, and Digital Development Management (DDM). Basically, it'll be the job of DDM's "game industry services division" to seek out a developer and publisher to get the game on store shelves. A DDM representative wanted to be clear that the game will not necessarily be based on next year's Conan The Barbarian film.
At best, Conan's recent game career has been shaky from both a fan and fiscal standpoint. The Age of Conan MMO is still around, unlike fond recollection for THQ's action game from 2007. And yes, a Conan parody actually made a great cameo in Comic Jumper, but that wasn't exactly "official."
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PARADOX ENTERTAINMENT AND DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PARTNER TO DEVELOP VIDEO GAME BASED ON FAMED CONAN PROPERTY
LOS ANGELES, CA and NORTHAMPTON, MA – December 15, 2010 – Tapping into the enduring popularity of the CONAN franchise, Digital Development Management (DDM), and entertainment and licensing company Paradox Entertainment are teaming up to produce a video game based on Paradox's world renowned property. DDM, the world's leading business and talent agency for video games and digital entertainment, and Paradox will work together to secure development of a video game title based on a fresh storyline and gameplay featuring the CONAN character and world of Hyboria. The announcement was made today by Paradox President and CEO, Fredrik Malmberg and DDM President, Joe Minton.
"We came to the conclusion that the gaming industry is changing in the way they do business, similar to how the film industry has adapted to a new economic environment. By partnering with DDM to package this world-leading brand, we open up an opportunity for new forms of collaboration between developers and publishers," said Malmberg.
The CONAN character first saw light in the 1930s and is considered one of the most universally recognizable iconic figures in modern popular culture. The property spans feature films, television, videogames, comics and worldwide publishing, as well as collectibles and apparel. Through the agreement with rights holder Paradox, DDM is charged with managing the game studio and publisher agreements for the upcoming CONAN video game.
Paradox manages and develops global entertainment character franchises for recognized brands including "Kull of Atlantis," "Solomon Kane," and "Mutant Chronicles." It also owns the library of Robert E. Howard, the prolific American storyteller who created the CONAN character and others. Malmberg is currently producing CONAN THE BARBARIAN, a major motion picture with Millennium Films to be distributed by Lionsgate in August 2011.
"With a rich history, complete with complex and demanding characters and conflict, CONAN is the ultimate video game opportunity. Paradox has cultivated the CONAN character and brand into a worldwide mega-franchise, and development onto current video game consoles is the next natural extension," said Minton. "We are excited about the opportunity to give fans the thrill of stepping into the boots of this iconic hero invigorating existing and new generations of CONAN fans around the world."
DDM launched their Game Industry Services division in September of this year to help game publishers, brand & license holders, and investors maximize their opportunities within the video game industry. With the CONAN THE BARBARIAN film releasing next year, DDM and Paradox have a unique opportunity to work with key partners to take the beloved 80-year-old IP and advance it further in the interactive marketplace.
About Digital Development Management
Created in 2005 by Founder & Managing Partner Jeff Hilbert and President Joe Minton, DDM is the world's leading business and talent agency for video games and digital entertainment. DDM operates two divisions dedicated to both development studios and the industry at large across all platforms of connected entertainment. With a roster of over 15 high caliber studios throughout North America and Europe, DDM's Game Studio Representation group manages some of the best talent around the globe. As part of its Game Industry Services division, DDM offers publishers, brand & license holders, and investors intellectual property, distribution, and sales services as well as research and strategic guidance. DDM's executive expertise includes proven success across game development and studio management as well as the media and entertainment marketplace. DDM services clients via offices in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Boston, Stockholm, Sweden, and its headquarters in Northampton, MA. Clients include Ninja Theory ("Enslaved" and "Devil May Cry"), Slightly Mad Studios ("Need for Speed SHIFT" and "SHIFT 2 UNLEASHED"), Vatra Games ("Silent Hill 8"), and Turtle Rock Studios ("Left 4 Dead").
About Paradox Entertainment Inc.
PEI and its subsidiaries own, develop and license mainly character-based properties. The companies control the rights to stories and characters created by pulp author Robert E. Howard, including Conan, Kull, Bran Mak Morn and Solomon Kane. It is also the licensing agent for property owners such as Starz ("Spartacus") and NuImage ("The Expendables"). Industries exploiting the properties include film/TV, publishing, comics, videogame, Internet/mobile/wireless, toys, apparel, and more. The company is currently in production on "Conan the Barbarian," "Setup," and "Speed Demon," and developing several other films. PEI is based in Beverly Hills, California and is owned by Paradox Entertainment AB, a Swedish public company traded on the NASDAQ OMX-run First North Premier list (PDXE, SE0000598054). More information at http://www.paradoxent.com.
