ATLUS, IN COLLABORATION WITH HBO® AND CYANIDE STUDIOS, TO PUBLISH “GAME OF THRONES,” AN ACTION RPG BASED ON THE BEST-SELLING SERIES OF BOOKS AND HIT TV SHOW, FOR XBOX 360, PLAYSTATION 3, AND PC IN EARLY 2012

With over 15 million books sold worldwide and a hit television adaptation that was the winner of two primetime Emmy® awards, the A Song of Ice and Fire series is one of the most popular fantasy franchises of all time.  Now, with the announcement of an epic new “Game of Thrones” video game, fans will have a chance to not simply read or watch the series, but to take an active role in the new riveting drama as it unfolds.

In this 30-plus hour action RPG, players will enter the gritty and medieval fantasy world of Westeros.  As one of two original characters with disparate motivations, both former soldiers of Robert’s Rebellion, players will forge alliances and wage battles as they play a pivotal role in the ongoing war for power of the Seven Kingdoms.  Their journey will span numerous quests, during which they will interact with many characters and make key decisions that impact the realm.

Standing before the majesty and bitter isolation of the Wall or walking through the streets and alleys of King’s Landing, players will not simply pass by locations and characters integral to the series; they will explore and interact with them, meeting and learning about the people and history that defines them and their importance.  Key decisions and major events will have meaningful impact on Westeros, allowing the player to witness how the game world evolves over time based on their actions or inactions.  Moreover, “Game of Thrones” introduces an innovative “active slowdown tactical combat engine” in which combat mirrors the series’ thoughtful approach to war and politics: fighting slows but never stops entirely, forcing the player to make quick, pressured choices before their enemy strikes again.

“The Game of Thrones television series and the A Song of Ice and Fire book series it is based on represent some of the most captivating, original medieval fantasy and drama ever created,” commented Shinichi Suzuki, President and CEO of Index Digital Media, Inc.  “Its amalgam of bitterly antagonistic rival houses, deeply nuanced characters, intricate political machinations, and breathtaking fantasy–all set within a richly storied world–offers unparalleled realism and raw emotion.  We are honored to work with HBO, Cyanide Studios, and the great George R. R. Martin in bringing an exciting action RPG set in this beloved fantasy universe to fans and gamers in early 2012.”

“This is a wonderful way for fans to engage with the brand in an exciting and interactive way,” stated James Costos, VP of HBO Global Licensing.  “ATLUS and Cyanide are leaders in developing world class games with broad accessibility so the partnership was an ideal fit for us.”

“Game of Thrones” is currently scheduled to release in early 2012 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.  For more information, visit http://gameofthrones-thegame.com. Expect frequent news updates, content additions, and more between now and the game’s release!