Royal Oak's Pixofactor To Create Wii Game In Michigan
Royal Oak-based Pixofactor Entertainment, a video game and entertainment content development company, has been awarded the contract to begin creation of a Ben Hogan video game for the Nintendo Wii console. With this agreement, the company becomes the first within the state of Michigan to receive the go-ahead for video game production, since the incentive legislation was passed in April 2008.
The application for this complex project, submitted by BH Golfing Game Productions LLC, was provided to the Michigan Film Office in late September.
Pixofactor will begin work immediately on the $2.7 million project to develop the Ben Hogan game across multiple digital platforms, including a Nintendo Wii Game, mobile applications, an interactive Web site and DVD. The company had received state approval in mid- October to begin work on the interactive Web site.
"We appreciate the quick and efficient approval process from the Michigan Film Office to bring this innovative video game development work to Michigan," said Pixelfactor CEO Sean Hurwitz. "Now that we have approval to begin work on the Ben Hogan video game, we believe this is the launch pad for the video game industry in our state."
Based on the size and scope of the project, PixoFactor will contract and employ approximately an additional 20-30 artists, animators and programmers.
Said Carrie Jones, director of the Michigan Film Office: "Digital projects hold great potential for our state's economy and we are excited to see this industry grow in Michigan."
The key to this multi-facted project is to leverage the existing Ben Hogan brand and re-launch it into every important existing platform available: video game systems like the Nintendo Wii, social networking sites such as Facebook and other popular technology, including the iPad and iPhone.
The company had received the initial green light for the project with the support from two venture capital firms, including Farmington Hills-based Envy Capital, who committed to raise approximately $2 million of investment capital, and Alliance Acquisitions in Los Angeles. Support and guidance was also provided from their attorney Marc Seyburn of Seyburn-Know Law Group.
The Ben Hogan Wii and iPhone games are scheduled to be released by Christmas 2011. The interactive Web site will be ready for Father's Day and the 2011 golf season.
PixoFactor specializes in game development, animation, production services and more. Founded as a partnership between Michigan-based developers, artists, producers and directors, PixoFactor has an impressive track record of developing games, apps and content for all platforms. Proven and experienced PixoFactor is also versed in motion capture, cinematics, and visual effects.
More at www.pixofactor.com.
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