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MCV 06/11/09 7
NEWS
Konami: Saw is ‘not a cash-in’ Publisher has ‘high hopes’ for survival horror title - which builds on film series’ storyline by James Batchelor KONAMI has dismissed accusations that Saw: The Game will be an uninspired film tie-in. The publisher is confident that fans of the gory saga will see the game as an authentic part of the franchise. It features voicework from star Tobin Bell and a brand new storyline set between the first and second films. “This is not just some knockoff cash-in,” product manager Richard Jones told MCV. “It has been carefully scripted in conjunction with the movie’s creator. The scenario mixes the moral ambiguity of the movies, and harsh puzzles often have macabre repercussions.
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Industry hails Middle East’s potential
Saw: The Game recreates the atmosphere of the films and the horrifying traps of the Jigsaw Killer
The Saw movies are the highest-earning horror titles to date, and the game is incredibly close to them. Richard Jones, Konami
“We have very high hopes for the game, and it’s perceived as a vital part of the Saw saga.” To date, the Saw series has grossed more than $685 million worldwide and sold more than 28 million DVDs around the globe.
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The latest instalment, Saw IV, hit cinema screens on October 23rd, and has already generated $20 million at the worldwide box office. “The Saw movies are the highest-earning horror titles to date, and one of the most
prominent movie franchises out there. The game is incredibly close to its movie counterpart,” Jones added. “Tobin Bell reprising his role from the films adds a level of authenticity, while the actual puzzles are suitably grisly and recognisable from the films.” Konami has been working closely with movie distributor Lionsgate on cross-promotions for the game and Saw VI. The publisher also worked with Thorpe Park to promote the new Saw theme park ride.
There will be extensive trade promotions, with a widely available range of POS featuring the clown-style puppet character that is synoymous with the brand. The game will enjoy plenty of online advertising, with banners and ownership across games and horror-themed sites. Cinema ads will also hit screens promoting the game. Saw: The Game will be released for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC on November 20th. Konami: 0208 987 5706
LEADING publishers and analysts have earmarked the Middle East as the ‘most lucrative emerging market of all’. The Games Alliance Middle East Show 09 trade event took place in Dubai last week to put the region under scrutiny – with luminaries queuing up to praise the potential of the region. NCsoft’s regional director Sarah Rogers said: “The Middle East is now very much an established market. We’ve seen the region grow as online connectivity has improved and it is getting better all the time.” However, leading execs also discussed major problems with the area – which include piracy and cultural sensitivities to ingame content. Read our in-depth territory report on the Middle East – turn to page 32.