Players will be able to “interact and collude with much-loved characters in real time” as part of the virtual reality experience
The planned Peaky Blinders virtual reality (VR) video game has been given the green light for development, with a spring 2020 release date now being officially confirmed.
While news of another game in the works broke last month, Maze Theory have today (April 26) been awarded government funding as part of the ‘Audience of the Future’ programme – meaning that they will now be able to develop a Peaky Blinders VR game and utilise “new, cutting-edge AI performance technology”.
A press release has revealed more about the premise of the game. “Peaky Blinders’ fans and VR gaming enthusiasts can, for the first time, infiltrate the underground criminal world of the urban street gang,” the release promises. “They will undertake a covert and unorthodox mission and defeat a rival gang.
“If successful with the mission, they will earn their cap and be a fully-fledged member of the Peaky Blinders, every fan’s dream!”
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders
Players will be able to roam around the show’s iconic locations in Small Heath, Birmingham – such as the illegal Shelby betting shop and The Garrison Pub – and will come face-to-face with some of the best-loved characters from the series, who will “respond to players’ gestures, movement, voice, sound and body language”.
“Only in VR is it possible to experience these real time human-like interactions,” the press release affirms. “Each player will have a completely individual experience and be totally immersed in Peaky Blinders’ world and the dramatic action that unfolds.”
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight said of the news: “I’m really excited by the prospect of Peaky Blinders entering new territory. People who love the show will love the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world in such a total way.”
With Peaky Blinders season five wrapped and set for release later this year as well as talk of a movie, it was announced last month that Endemol had partnered with Curve Digital and FuturLab to create another game – “narrative action game inspired by the critically acclaimed, epic gangster drama” for console and PC.
Developers said that it would be led by “a highly innovative, story-driven design” enabling players to control “all of their favourite characters” as well as locations from the series.
“In Curve and FuturLab we have great partners who will deliver a high-end game which can be enjoyed by fans of the series and gamers alike,” said Endemol director Anil Mistry. “The unique world created by the Peaky Blinders series lends itself incredibly well to this style of gaming, and players can look forward to an authentic, original and immersive game experience.”
Curve Digital CEO Dominic Wheatley added: “We are thrilled to be working with Endemol Shine Group on this unique IP. Peaky Blinders is at the top of my list of favourite TV shows and the characters and stories will now be transformed into an interactive experience. Can’t wait.”
Knight recently spoke about the path that he hopes to take Peaky Blinders on in the final seasons, and hinted at the possible fate of lead character Tommy Shelby.
