MumboJumbo to develop game based on The Office

Caual games studio MumboJumbo has secured the rights to make a video game based on NBC’s US sitcom The Office (a remake of the BBC comedy).

In what Variety calls "a rare deal" given the TV show-to-game deal, it’s the first Hollywood licence MumboJumbo has signed up. The studio has secured the rights to the actors’ likenesses, although they will be portrayed in a stylised ‘bobblehead-type doll’ fashion. The game will feature video and sound clips from the show as well.

MumboJumbo developing the game for Nintendo DS, Sony PSP and PC, and presumably available via MumboJumbo’s online portals. The company has also signed rights for other online platforms too, suggesting an Xbox Live Arcade or PlayStation Store release is possible, too – according to Variety MumboJumbo’s deal with NBC also says a number of sequels are possible, as well.

"We were anxious to expand our audience with a property that has broad appeal and works well as a game," said MumboJumbo VP of product development Mike Suarez. "It will help us to demonstrate that casual games are the true mass videogame market."

In an official statement about the game Bill Kispert, vice president and general manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group explained: "The cast and creators of The Office have done a fantastic job delivering a show with a personality all its own. MumboJumbo is an innovator in the casual games space, and developing a game with them that combines the quirky characters and humor of the show with a proven, addictive game mechanic we think will be welcomed by fans and casual game players alike."

Added Mark Cottam, chief executive officer of MumboJumbo: "We are honored that NBC Universal has chosen us to be their partner for this exciting new project. We look forward to working closely with their team to ensure that the thematic elements of ‘The Office’ are closely approximated in the development of the video game."