Someone asked Neil Gaiman about this game and he answered on his
blog(the question)
Hi Neil,
I just saw a press release from D3Publisher announcing that they've got the publishing rights to...Coraline (The Game)! I've only seen the press release on a trade only site currently, but it implies it will be multiformat (including handheld) and that,
"Coraline (The Game) is a surrealistic adventure game that will enthrall gamers of all ages with its moody atmosphere, engaging narrative and cast of colorful characters. The console products are being developed by Papaya Studios, and the handheld products are being developed by ART."
From that it sounds like it could be in the same kind of style as American McGee's Alice (which was superb).
I can't find anything else about it (on the publisher's or either developer's sites), so is there anything else you can tell us about this please? When we can expect to see it released? And on what platforms? Any and all information gratefully received! Thanks in advance.
(Neil's answer)
I saw an early proposal for the game, which looked intriguing, but that was the last thing I heard or saw. If and when I get more I'll happily post about it on the blog. There's a few quotes about it here.
(the quotes he refers to are currently offline, I'll try again later)
I've found the official press statement though
UNIVERSAL PICTURES DIGITAL PLATFORMS GROUP & D3PUBLISHER INK EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE VIDEOGAME PUBLISHING AGREEMENT FOR CORALINE
First games based on the spectacular stop-motion animated movie scheduled for Q1 2009
CAMBRIDGE, June 16, 2008: D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, together with its parent D3, Inc., today announced a worldwide publishing agreement with the Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group for videogames based on Focus Features and LAIKA Entertainment’s Coraline, the upcoming high-definition stop-motion animated feature – the first to be originally filmed in 3-D.
The newest movie from visionary director Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Coraline is based on Neil Gaiman’s international best-selling book of the same title. The games are scheduled to be released for console and handheld systems in Q1 2009 to coincide with Focus’ nationwide release of the movie on February 6, 2009.
Coraline (The Game) is a surrealistic adventure game that will enthrall gamers of all ages with its moody atmosphere, engaging narrative and cast of colorful characters. The console products are being developed by Papaya Studios, and the handheld products are being developed by ART.
“The alternative-reality based plot of Coraline translates exceptionally well to an interactive gaming adventure,” said Yoji Takenaka, executive vice president and chief operating officer, North America and Europe, D3P. “We are enjoying working closely with the filmmakers and the team at Universal and Focus Features to authentically portray the film’s unique cast of characters and allow players of all ages to experience not only key environments and moments from the movie, but also elements that go beyond the feature film.”
“Coraline is a fantastically imagined world, filled with quirky characters and unexpected events, said Bill Kispert, VP and General Manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “And with just the right blend of humor, adventure, and spookiness, it is the perfect source material for a truly unique adventure game.”
About Coraline (The Movie)
From Henry Selick, visionary director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and based on Neil Gaiman’s international best-selling book, comes a spectacular high-definition stop-motion animated feature – the first to be originally filmed in 3-D. A young girl (Dakota Fanning) walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life – only much better. But when this wondrously off-kilter, fantastical adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents (including Other Mother [Teri Hatcher]) try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.