Disney brings Desperate Housewives to gamers

Buena Vista Games, the interactive arm of The Walt Disney Corporation, has announced the creation of a new lifestyle simulation PC game based on the cult US TV drama Desperate Housewives.

Due for release this autumn, the game puts players in the role of a new housewife who moves into Wisteria Lane - the central location for the television show - and sets about uncovering the scandals hidden behind the idyllic and seemingly perfect neighbourhood.

"'Desperate Housewives continues to be one of the most popular shows on primetime television and a pop culture phenomenon," commented Bruce Gersh, senior VP of business development, ABC Entertainment and Touchstone Television.

"We are continually looking to build upon this successful franchise and believe that extending this program into the world of PC gaming will result in a fun new way for fans to connect more deeply with the series and its captivating collection of characters."

The game is currently in development at Liquid Entertainment (creators of the acclaimed PC title Dragonshard, amongst others), and the move into gaming marks the latest merchandising extension of the television show, which currently includes a best selling DVD box set, a clothing range, board game, fragrance, online store, mobile personalisation tools, ringtones, graphics and a forthcoming cookbook.

At present, none of the show's five main stars have been confirmed to support the game - the only celebrity inclusion mentioned in the company release being that of omniscient narrator Brenda Strong, who provides the disembodied voice of dead housewife Mary Alice Young.