History Channel: Great Empires Rome

Launched in 1995, The History Channel is a hugely successful cable and satellite TV show, that has spawned numerous sister channels.

Last year, the channel’s name was changed to simply ‘History’, but is still responsible for leading programmes on historical events, places and people.

And now History is making its way to consoles, with a strategy game based on the Roman Empire.

“History: Great Empires Rome is a strategic game that will let you experience how it feels to be part of the Great Roman Empire,” says BlackBean’s UK marketing manager Dave Turner.

“By a clever balance between resource management, diplomacy and battle, you’ll determine the fate of the most important empire that history has ever seen.

“The game makes full use of Nintendo DS touch controls, making it playable by everyone. We feel that it can find its place in the strategic genre for portable consoles.”

HISTORY REPEATING
Basing titles around the History brand is  a unique way of getting attention in a crowded DS market place. And BlackBean is confident that the deep gameplay, the marketing push (which includes print and online ads in specialist press, as well as in-store activity) and the fact versions are coming to PS2 and PSP later in the year, will make for another hit for the History brand.

“History is an important brand and we know that many people will appreciate the way it blends historical accuracy with a deep strategic gameplay,” continues Turner.

“Though the DS format has an enormous catalogue of games, we feel History will take its rightful place.

“History is a solid video game franchise, as shown by the success of the previous game, Great Battles of Rome, for Sony PlayStation 2 and Sony PSP. Retailers can expect a steady and continuous demand for the game.”