E3 2010: Konami nabs Glee game rights

Could Konami have finally found a way to edge out the competition posed by Sony’s SingStar franchise?

As E3 kicks off it has been confirmed that the publisher has scored rights to the hugely popular TV show Glee, which features the story of a (yep) rag-tag bunch of misfit singers thrown together for the school choir.

Konami will release Karaoke Revolution Glee, a version of its long-running singing series that lets players sing along to the show’s hit songs.

The Japanese publisher’s Karaoke Revolution series may pre-date SingStar, but has long played second fiddle to it – this could be just the ticket to regaining market share, especially in Europe where Glee is hugely popular, but few Karaoke Revolution games have been released.

Karaoke Revolution Glee will first hit Wii later this year.

Glee features a raft of classic and modern pop and rock songs, ‘reimagined’ for vocal harmonies, teen angst and OTT acting. As well as being a TV ratings hit, it has spawned a number of best-selling singles and albums.

Konami has scored the rights as part of a huge licensing drive by brand-owned 20th Century Fox, which has also signed deals for apparel, accessories, bedding and books.

"Glee has hit a high note as one of the most attractive entertainment properties in the market today and Gleeks are embracing the show into all aspects of their lives," said Robert Marick, EVP of Fox Consumer Products. "The merchandise launch will allow fans to continue to engage and express themselves in ways that are core to the essence of the show.

"We’ve held back this launch in order to create an event at retail and to give fans the special attention they deserve in these products."