Playboy lending their name to a MMO? It’s not the type of game that you think

by: Dan - posted: 8/26/2010 3:40:00 PM

Playboy Enterprises is getting into the gaming business with a new game label launching in late 2010 with the first title being a MMO called Poisonville, created by Bigpoint. However, the game will not be anywhere near the type of game most gutter minds are thinking Playboy would churn out. In fact, it appears to be less Leisure Suit Larry and more in the mold of Grand Theft Auto and Saints Row than anything. Check out this description of the game from the release:

Poisonville is an action-oriented, Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) that puts gamers into a fictional U.S. city where crime and corruption rule the streets. Players must complete a series of missions in order to counteract corruption, regain respect, and rebuild their reputations. Throughout the game, players will be encounter beautiful, Playboy-caliber women. In full-3D, players can drive a variety of vehicles, engage in player vs. player combat, and compete in ongoing competitions designed to stimulate gang warfare – all through a standard web browser.

The games with Bigpoint will initially be distributed through Playboy.com.  After watching the trailer below, I have to say that I am intrigued by this move and the game.  You would think that an inaugural game from a Playboy gaming label would have to do with what they have been selling for the past 50 odd years.  As can be seen, they chose to combine two of the most popular game genres to hopefully make a splash.  Once pricing, release date and more info becomes available, we will pass it on.  We do want to hear what you think of this move, and more importantly, what you think of the game footage seen in the trailer.

PLAYBOY TO INTRODUCE NEW VIDEO GAME LABEL
The New Label Will Formally Launch in Late 2010, Anchored by an
Inaugural Partnership with Bigpoint and the Introduction of Poisonville

CHICAGO, August 25, 2010—Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (PEI) (NYSE: PLA, PLAA) announced today they will launch a new video game label in late 2010, which will offer a wide variety of high-quality online video games to male gamers. Playboy also announced they have partnered with Bigpoint, a leading online gaming company, to distribute select titles through Playboy.com, beginning with Bigpoint’s Poisonville.

“According to Playboy user feedback, we know our audience is interested in online video games, so we’re thrilled to launch a formal video game label later this year that will meet their needs,” said Paul Lee, managing director of new digital ventures, Playboy Enterprises, Inc. “We’re partnering with Bigpoint to distribute their Massively Multiplayer Online Game, Poisonville, and we look forward to announcing more high quality, development partnerships in the coming months.”

Poisonville is an action-oriented, Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) that puts gamers into a fictional U.S. city where crime and corruption rule the streets. Players must complete a series of missions in order to counteract corruption, regain respect, and rebuild their reputations. Throughout the game, players will be encounter beautiful, Playboy-caliber women. In full-3D, players can drive a variety of vehicles, engage in player vs. player combat, and compete in ongoing competitions designed to stimulate gang warfare – all through a standard web browser. A trailer for the new game is currently available at www.playboy.com/poisonville.

“We’re excited to expand our global partnership with Playboy and introduce Poisonville to U.S. gamers,” said Heiko Hubertz, founder and CEO, Bigpoint. “Launching this new game through Playboy.com will allow us to directly tap into our ideal gaming audience – avid, online men between the ages of 18-35. We look forward to engaging gamers in new and exciting ways through Playboy’s network of high-traffic websites.”

For additional information on Poisonville and Playboy’s games please visit www.playboy.com.