Showtime Networks is bringing Henry VIII to the PC screen, through a deal with video-game developer Merscom to create a casual game based on its original series The Tudors.
In the casual adventure game, slated to debut in October, players will enter the world of The Tudors and solve a mystery that that runs parallel to the show.
"The Tudors is a property that will really appeal to our market," said Merscom chief customer officer Lloyd Melnick. "Not only does the story arc appeal to the casual gamer, but the rich and beautiful graphical environment lends itself to an adventure game."
The Tudors has been one of Showtime's highest-profile original series. The fourth and final 10-episode season is set for a spring 2010 run.
Merscom, based in Chapel Hill, N.C., publishes computer and video games distributed games through multiple channels and platforms. The company's partners also include Lifetime Networks and Starz Media.
The Tudors game will be available this fall only for PCs, as a download online at major game portals like Real Arcade and Yahoo Games. The software will carry a suggested retail price of $19.99; a one-hour trial version also will be available for download.
Merscom also plans retail distribution for the game, but Melnick said it probably won't launch that until the start of the final season of The Tudors next April.
Showtime's other Tudors brand extensions include four books with Simon & Schuster; a line of apparel with Top Heavy Clothing (available starting this month); costumes and swords with Museum Replicas; jewelry with Sorrelli Jewelry; and a calendar with Rizzoli.
