Merlin game rights up for grabs

The Doctor isn’t the only one being lined up for the video games treatment – another BBC Saturday night TV show could become a game this year as well.

Rights-holder and production house FremantleMedia is on the hunt for partners to create a game based on fantasy drama Merlin. The show can be seen in some 165 countries and boasts 6m viewers in the UK.

A third series is currently planned for a September launch, complete with a variety of licensing tie-ins including, playsets, figurines, DVDs, books, costumes, calendars, bags, wallets and more.

We are already talking to a number of games companies, but nothing has been signed yet,” said VP of brand licensing and retail at Fremantle, Pindy O’Brien.

It’s quite perfect for a video game, with Arthur and Merlin trying to conquer evil, and all the weird and wonderful characters. The third series begins in September, so hopefully we can have something out for the end of the year – if not we can always look towards next year.

I think this could be a real core game. It is one of our key properties and the BBC is fully committed to Merlin.”

To read more about BBC Worldwide’s gaming plans, head over to our full feature.