Press release from The project Factory
The Project Factory will be accelerating development of an advanced mobile gaming platform with partner Dog Money World following support from the NSW Government’s new $3 million Interactive Media Fund.
The project called Crime Plays is being developed by emerging Sydney based, digital production team Dog Money World, and has already attracted international interest from major production studios.
Dog Money World and The Project Factory struck a co-production agreement at international broadcasting and content conference MIPCOM held in Cannes in October 2010 and have been working on Crime Plays commercial development for a global audience.
A cross between The Amazing Race and Grand Theft Auto, the game offers an immersive form of storytelling for audiences hungry for involved entertainment. Players adopt a fictional role and take their place in a virtual crime world, working their way through the ranks from petty-crim to mob boss.
Users complete virtual missions, play mini-games and compete against their peers to become the Top Dog in the fictional world. All of this takes place in real-world locations, seamlessly blurring the lines between what is real life and what is a game.
“We really want to give players the opportunity to play a game that feels as immersive as something like LA Noire or Call of Duty, but without being chained to the sofa. We’re creating a rich narrative world, and a great multi-player experience,” James Boyce from Dog Money World said.
The Project Factory will head the mobile development, using their transmedia games platform to support the development of Crime Plays.
“The support from the NSW government’s Interactive Media Fund will help us rapidly amplify our commercialisation plans for this highly engaging, multi-screen, cross platform production,” The Project Factory Director Guy Gadney said.
The advanced gaming platform includes elements of augmented reality, social media and real-time location based gaming. “The platform has resonated strongly with international production studios as it is possible to wrap any narrative around the technology for an integrated multi screen experience linking it to any film or television show,” Gadney explained.
Crime Plays was one of seven creative digital projects selected by the NSW Government to receive funding. The Interactive Media Fund supports commercially-oriented projects destined for distribution on internet, wireless, mobile or other emerging platforms or devices, with a particular focus on interactive content.