I-play secures mobile rights for TV show 24

UK-based mobile entertainment firm I-play has today announced a partnership with Fox Mobile Entertainment, a new sub-division of Twentieth Century Fox, to develop, publish and distribute mobile content based on acclaimed television series 24.

The global, multi-year deal, which includes ringtones and wallpapers, will be the first time the series has been converted into a mobile game, its launch scheduled to coincide with the fifth season of 24 in the first quarter of 2006.

Capturing the time critical nature of the series, the 24 mobile game will see players undertake an assignment from lead character and counterterrorist, Jack Bauer. At key moments in the game, instructions, messages and content will be delivered from Bauer, direct to handset, echoing 24's signature real time motif.

"This is one of the most coveted and exciting licenses in the industry. You do not come across brands like 24 every day, which have such an enormous following across all age groups and geographies, but also one that has the potential to be converted into a thrilling mobile game experience," said Brian Greasley, CEO of I-play.

"We knew that 24's spectacular combination of action, suspense and intrigue would be ideally suited to wireless gaming" commented Leighton Webb, VP for Wireless Marketing at Fox Mobile Entertainment.

"We feel confident that I-Play will create a mobile gaming experience every bit as compelling and addictive as 24 the television series is for its audience around the world."

You can read more about this global partnership in our interview with Fox Mobile Entertainment VP of Wireless Marketing Leighton Webb and I-play COO David Gosen.

Mobile phone games aren't the only interactive platform which are being targeted by Fox with 24 - the firm also has a deal with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe to develop a PS2 exclusive game based on the series, which is being created by SCEE's Cambridge studio.