Ubisoft acquires licence to produce Lost videogames

French publisher Ubisoft has entered into a long term worldwide licensing agreement with Touchstone Television to produce a series of videogames based on hit TV series Lost.

Lost follows the adventures of a group of people struggling to survive after their plane crash lands on an island in the Pacific. First broadcast in the US in September 2004, it was an instant hit with viewers and went on to become the fastest-selling series in Buena Vista's history. It is broadcast in more than 210 territories, consistently topping the ratings charts in many countries including the UK, France, Spain, Germany and Russia.

Few details of the videogame tie-ins have been revealed so far, other than the fact that Lost games are in development for PC, consoles and handhelds and are due to launch worldwide in 2007.

Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot said the company was "delighted" to have acquired the licence, adding: "That they have chosen us for the adaptation of the cult series 'Lost' is the best homage that a producer can make to the creativity of Ubisoft."

Lost producer Bryan Burk said: "Many of us on Lost have been hardcore gamers for years and the chance to work with Ubisoft, a company behind some of our favourite titles, has excited us to no end."

"With the ability to tell new interactive stories within the 'Lost' universe, we're giddy to be developing a game that, once completed, will be as engaging and fun to play as it is to create."

Touchstone Television executive Julia Franz added: "The creative appeal of Lost transcends borders with its character driven stories and addictive mysterious mythology. It's not enough for fans worldwide to just watch Lost, the game is a wonderful opportunity to organically extend this creative phenomenon into an interactive consumer experience."