JK Rowling, the author of the wildly popular Harry Potter books, is now moving to conquer the video game world as well, with her new effort set to be ready just in time for the holidays. Still riding on the whopping success of her last seven books, Rowling's current project is called the "Book of Spells," and comes as a spin-off based on the Harry Potter universe. This book, however, has something unique.
Book of Spells is not like any other book: it is designed for use with the PlayStation 3. Rowling's new project is the flagship title for Sony's new Wonderbook platform, which aims to combine literature with augmented reality for a unique experience.
Basically, Sony's Wonderbook platform interacts with the PS 3's PlayStation Eye camera and PlayStation Move controller, so when you place the book down on the floor, it comes to life in an augmented reality on your TV. With Rowling's Book of Spells, users will be able to step into a magical world and use to Move controller as a magic wand while browsing the book to learn spells.
"Wonderbook: Book of Spells is the closest a Muggle can come to a real spellbook," said Rowlings when the project was revealed at E3. "I've loved working with Sony's creative team to bring my spells, and some of the history behind them, to life. This is an extraordinary device that offers a reading experience like no other."
Sony has released the first in a series of Wonderbook developer diaries, in which SCE London Studio team members explain the core technology behind the PlayStation Move project. Rowling has not appeared in person to promote Wonderbook, but the new project will surely make it worthwhile.
Wonderbook: Book of spells will be available as a standalone game, as part of a Move bundle, or as part of a PS3 console bundle at launch, on Nov. 13. The price point will be $40 when it launches, or $80 for a bundle that includes the PlayStation Eye and PlayStation Move. Last month, PlayStation UK chief Fergal Gara said that Sony expects Wonderbook to be PS3's best-selling first party game this holiday season. According to him, Wonderbook is "the most inspirational product we've seen for the Move in the two years since it's been out."
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