DDM, the world’s leading business and talent agency for video games and digital entertainment, and Paradox will work together to secure development of a video game title based on a fresh storyline and gameplay featuring the Conan character and world of Hyboria. The announcement was made today by Paradox President and CEO, Fredrik Malmberg and DDM President, Joe Minton.
“We came to the conclusion that the gaming industry is changing in the way they do business, similar to how the film industry has adapted to a new economic environment. By partnering with DDM to package this world-leading brand, we open up an opportunity for new forms of collaboration between developers and publishers,” said Malmberg.
The Conan character first saw light in the 1930s and is considered one of the most universally recognizable iconic figures in modern popular culture. The property spans feature films, television, videogames, comics and worldwide publishing, as well as collectibles and apparel. Through the agreement with rights holder Paradox, DDM is charged with managing the game studio and publisher agreements for the upcoming Conan video game.
Paradox manages and develops global entertainment character franchises for recognized brands including “Kull of Atlantis,” “Solomon Kane,” and “Mutant Chronicles.” It also owns the library of Robert E. Howard, the prolific American storyteller who created the Conan character and others. Malmberg is currently producing Conan The Barbarian, a major motion picture with Millennium Films to be distributed by Lionsgate in August 2011.
“With a rich history, complete with complex and demanding characters and conflict, Conan is the ultimate video game opportunity. Paradox has cultivated the Conan character and brand into a worldwide mega-franchise, and development onto current video game consoles is the next natural extension,” said Minton. “We are excited about the opportunity to give fans the thrill of stepping into the boots of this iconic hero invigorating existing and new generations of Conan fans around the world.”
DDM launched their Game Industry Services division in September of this year to help game publishers, brand & license holders, and investors maximize their opportunities within the video game industry. With the Conan The Barbarian film releasing next year, DDM and Paradox have a unique opportunity to work with key partners to take the beloved 80-year-old IP and advance it further in the interactive marketplace.