The first series of The X Factor, coproduced by FremantleMedia company talkbackTHAMES and Simon Cowell’s Syco TV, began in September 2004 in the UK. A panel of expert judges from the music industry preside over initial auditions, with audience votes coming into play during the later live shows featuring the selected contestants in four distinct categories, one assigned to each of the four judges (14-24 year old boys, 14-24 year old girls, over 25s and groups). The X Factor is open to all ages, all styles, solo acts or groups. And the performers aren’t the only ones competing – it’s judge v judge, artist v artist. The format has been sold to more than 20 countries, often rating as the number one show.

“To be able to work with a phenomenal brand such as The X Factor is an incredible opportunity,” said Georg Larch, International Marketing Director, Deep Silver. “The X Factor is a truly global brand which is instantly recognisable to thousands of gamers and TV fans around the world. With the developer, Hydravision Entertainment, Deep Silver will be creating a game that is a true adaptation of the show from the hilarity of the auditions to the excitement of the live show; we will be testing the singing skills of the player and will feature the sharp critique of the judges.”

Mark Newton, EVP Licensing EMEA, FME commented, “The X Factor has proven a massive global success with local versions being produced now in more than 20 countries including France, Belgium, Denmark and more, and through FME’s global network we can take advantage of market opportunities and give fans even more ways to engage with the brand on different platforms. We needed partners with the same multi-territory approach and commitment to quality, so Hydravision and Deep Silver were a natural choice.”