The X Factor goes Mobile

NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe has announced the launch of a mobile game based on the hit television show, The X Factor following a deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises, the commercial division of FremantleMedia and licensor of The X Factor brand. The game will be available for UK and Republic of Ireland mobile gamers to download from all major mobile operators.
In The X Factor mobile game, players must guide their character through a number of auditions, which take the form of mini games. The mobile game mirrors the look and feel of the TV show, with players being graded on their performance and awarded with popularity points.
Depending on how well they perform, the judges will be supportive or witheringly critical, with the comments swaying the votes of the public. The ultimate aim of the game is to launch a single and get to number one in the charts – but to do so, players need to keep the judges and the public happy.
The X Factor is one of televisions crown jewels, with millions of viewers regularly tuning in says NAMCO BANDAI Networks Europe Managing Director, Masaji Okubo. As a result, there are very few entertainment brands as visible and appealing, which makes it a perfect brand for creating mobile games. Mobile games based on TV shows are proven sellers in every country, so such a well-known brand will perfectly complement the other best selling games in our portfolio.
The launch of the mobile game in the UK is part of a broader multi-year, multi-territory agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises, which grants NAMCO BANDAI rights to develop, publish and distribute mobile phone games based on The X Factor television format.
We are always looking at innovative ways to translate our brands into the multi-media space and mobile is a very important medium for us says Mark Newton, Executive Vice President, EMEA of FremantleMedia Enterprises licensing division. We want to offer fans of our shows ways to interact with their favourite brands whenever, wherever and however they want, and were really pleased to be working with NAMCO BANDAI Networks to create experiences that provide both a much broader and deeper relationship with The X Factor TV show.
Local versions of The X Factor have launched in 10 territories to date. The fourth season of the award-winning show launched on Saturday on ITV in the UK.  Mobile games based on television shows have been consistent best sellers, with games based on familiar shows topping the UKs ELSPA mobile download chart for four months out of the last six.
The X Factor is created by Simon Cowell and co-produced in the UK by his entertainment company, SyCo TV, and talkbackTHAMES, the UK production company owned by FremantleMedia, for ITV.