Dionysian Dream: The Greek Drama Game

Toronto, Canada, May 26, 2009 -- Phantom Compass, an independent Canadian game company, is in production on an original learning game called “Dionysian Dream: The Greek Drama Game.” The development process is open to the public at www.DionysianDream.com

Classics come to life

Dionysian Dream explores classical Greek drama through a contemporary lens. Activated by a storyline set at the intersection of a real tragedy and an imagined dream world, teen and adult learners interact with some of the most important playwrights and fictional characters of ancient Greece.

As the details of the drama emerge through game play, so too does the troubled past of the game’s mysterious protagonist. Through critical thinking, exploration and strategy, the player must unravel the main character’s identity and find a way to bring closure to the protagonist’s unresolved addiction and family issues.

Suitable for classroom and at-home use by teens and adults, Dionysian Dream is the game equivalent of a short film, designed to be completed in less than three hours.

“Traditional teaching tools are losing their effectiveness as media-savvy generations flood the school systems,” said academic advisor and York University professor Dr. Nanci White. “Dionysian Dream will offer an interactive, multimedia, interdisciplinary approach to learning. The game promises to be an engaging, story-driven experience for teen and adult learners.”

Timeless social issues

“Dionysian Dream looks at historic Greek drama through a contemporary lens,” said Phantom Compass founding director Tony Walsh. “We use the Euripides play ‘The Bacchae’ as a springboard to explore timeless social issues such as alcohol abuse, familial estrangement and sexual identity. We’re going places most games--and gamers--fear to tread.”

Phantom Compass assembled a specialized team of experts to oversee academic and interactive elements, including York University professor Dr. Nanci White, award-winning veteran of the motion picture and interactive industries James Allan and game designer Steve Tassie, who has performed Greek tragedy as a classically-trained actor.

Follow as the project develops

Gamers, dramatic arts enthusiasts and academics alike are invited to follow the game development process via the project’s official web site at www.DionysianDream.com. The site provides an overview of the game and its features, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes look at independent game development.

Dionysian Dream is scheduled to be published in Q3 2009 for Mac®- and Windows®-based computers. The game is planned for sale to academic institutions and directly to consumers. Phantom Compass invites private and public sponsorship and distributors for the game.

Did you know?

Dionysus or Dionysos is the Greek god of wine, pleasure and one of the 12 Olympians. He was also known as Bacchus and is the patron deity of agriculture and theater.

About Phantom Compass

Phantom Compass creates games for the entertainment, education, and communications industries. Since launching in 2008, the independent Toronto-based production company has provided game products and services to broadcasters and media producers in Canada, the US and the UK.

For further information, please visit Phantom Compass’ corporate web site: www.phantomcompass.com

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Contact:

Tony Walsh, Founding Director

Phantom Compass Inc.

+1-416-894-0894

hq@phantomcompass.com

http://www.phantomcompass.com

Phantom Compass and Dionysian Dream are trademarks of Phantom Compass Inc. Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.