Gameloft bags cult TV licenses for mobile platform

Paris-headquartered mobile games publisher Gameloft has announced the signing of a new multi-year, multiple title deal with Touchstone Television, for the development, publishing and distribution of mobile games based on two cult TV series.

Scheduled for release early in 2007, Gameloft will be bringing the mystery and drama of J.J. Abrams' Lost to the mobile platform. Lost details the exploits of a group of strangers thrust together and fighting for survival on a strange and dangerous island; characters are haunted by the events of their past lives and must strive to unravel the secrets of their subconscious and those of their fellow survivors.

Desperate Housewives is the second television property secured under the terms of the new deal. A huge hit in both the US and Europe, the show focuses on the darker side of suburban life, adding a little humour and intrigue to the complex relationships of family and friends in middle America.

Gameloft president Michel Guillemot commented: "Gameloft is proud to partner with ABC Entertainment and Touchstone Television to bring the popular Desperate Housewives and Lost series to mobile gamers. We are excited to develop and deliver games based on these shows to over 1 billion mobile users worldwide."

"Both Lost and Desperate Housewives have loyal and dedicated fans, and we are excited to be able to bring them more ways to interact and engage with their favourite shows and characters," added Bruce Gersh, ABC Entertainment and Touchstone Television's SVP, business development.

"We look forward to working together with Gameloft to develop games that capture the defining essence of each show."