Capitalizing on a truly global game phenomenon,
TVHead has secured the worldwide iTV rights for Tetris--including cable, satellite and IPTV--through 2010. The premier games-on-demand television network will provide the wildly popular game to cable and IPTV subscribers as part of its premium offerings. With its user-friendly interface and addictive appeal, Tetris is believed to be the world's best selling electronic game, due to its wide availability on almost every modern computer and game system available.
"Tetris is more than just a game... it's a phenomenon with a level of consumer loyalty and awareness equal to top TV programs," said Sangita Verma, TVHead's CEO and Founder, in making the announcement. "Not only is Tetris the number one downloaded wireless game by a large margin, but it has also been incredibly successful on every other platform on which it has been introduced. We are thrilled at the opportunity to provide Tetris to TV audiences because television is the perfect casual games platform. By offering such a consumer-demanded blockbuster, TVHead enables operators to keep their game playing subscribers happy and in front of the TV."
TVHead will offer two versions of Tetris: Tetris Classic and Tetris Battle. In the classic Tetris puzzle game, players must clear horizontal rows to score points by creatively rotating and aligning falling blocks while the action accelerates with every move. Additionally, Tetris Classic will include high scores, multiplayer and advance play modes. Tetris Battle, a new multiplayer version currently in development, begins when a player submits his or her 'best of' game as a challenge to others. Competitors can then select to play against this game--being dealt the same pattern and speed of falling blocks--to see if they can best the score. Highest scores continue to move up the ranks with postings on leader boards and prizes for obtaining high-score benchmarks. Rankings span first local, then regional, and finally national status.
TVHead is also working with Blue Planet Software Inc., the exclusive worldwide licensing agent for The Tetris Company, to create a consistent multi-platform game experience in which players are able to compete against each other using television and PCs.