"Deadliest," "Wild" becoming video games

By James Hibberd

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Discovery Communications is partnering with game publisher Crave to turn two of its top-rated series, "Man vs. Wild" and "Deadliest Catch," into video games.

The action-oriented titles will be created for PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS. "Wild" also will appear on Xbox 360.

In the "Wild" game, players control a character under the guidance of host and survival expert Bear Grylls as they use survival skills in various landscapes and climates.

In the "Deadliest" game, players captain crab boats and navigate the Bering Sea collecting fishing pots, dealing with the danger of open waters while generating profits.

"Deadliest" launches in the spring; "Wild" will be out by the end of 2011.

"Deadliest" previously was adapted into an Xbox 360 game, but the publishers pledge that their version will be more action-oriented and accessible.

"We really didn't feel like it stayed true to the action of the show," Crave executive vice president Betsi Gijanto said of the first game. "There's an action-oriented theme in both shows, and we're going to bring those themes to all of the video game platforms."

Discovery licensed the titles for a percentage of game revenue, which allows for potential strong gains with minimal investment. Talent from the shows, including Grylls, likely will lend their voices.

(Editing by SheriLinden at Reuters)

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