Games to broaden your horizons

 

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Posted on 18 Nov 2008 at 15:09

Computer games will soon get more educational, as National Geographic has launched its own video game business. National Geographic Games (NGG) will release a range of geographically and historically educational games.

However, if you're wary of educational games lacking playability, it may be encouraging to know that National Geographic is teaming up with Namco Bandai and Sony Computer Entertainment. Also, the newly-appointed general manager, Chris Mate, previously worked at GTA series developer Take Two Interavailable, as well as the company behind Fallout series Bethesda Softworks.

The games will be based on National Geographic's core themes to "inspire people to care about the planet and reach a new generation of consumers and families".

"The launch of our games division furthers National Geographic Venture's cross-platform strategy of creating and distributing unique consumer experiences and content on multiple platforms and devices," said Ted Prince, chief operating officer of National Geographic Ventures.

NGG will be launching titles the PC, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS handheld, PlayStation 3 and mobile devices such as the iPhone.

"National Geographic Games has brought authenticity to the kind of family gaming we're developing with them," said Andrew Lelchuk, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Namco Bandai.

"Our collaboration is enabling us to tailor the content, so we can offer games to our customers that are relevant, entertaining and that bring a unique experience only the National Geographic brand can deliver."

The first NGG title, Herod's Lost Tomb, will be released this month. The game is based on the biblical figure King Herod, and will be available online in both a flash version for free and a downloadable game for PC, Mac and iPhone that includes full features and high production content.

Further titles to be launched by NGG over the coming months include: National Geographic: Panda, National Geographic: Africa, Sudoku Traveler: China, Rain Forests, Greencity and From the Bottom Up.

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota