Fans of History’s Top Shot program can now test their own skills with a new social first-person shooter based on the hit show. A preview version of the game is playable now, to coincide with Top Shot’s Feb. 14 season premiere, and will launch in full within six weeks.
The Facebook game was developed by Fifth Column Games, which also developed the game based on History’s Pawn Stars.
History’s parent company A+E Networks has been building its catalog of games based on its television programs. Top Shot incorporates animated personalities and other recognizable elements from the show, demonstrating how the network’s games are getting more sophisticated with each title.
Kris Soumas, senior vice president, Games, A+E Networks, said the network intends to continue cultivating its relationships with best-of-breed game developers. “We love working with talented and dedicated people who have an affinity with our brands and a genuine interest in taking TV properties and extending them into the world of games,” she said.
Before diving in to create a game, she said A+E Networks looks at the ratings, the suitability of the show’s premise, and the existing level of audience engagement. “As it turns out, though, we’re lucky because so many of our shows are games in their own right,” Soumas said. “Pawn Stars, and now Top Shot are examples of this. It’s the natural next step to take the experience of these shows and make it accessible to all our fans in a social setting like Facebook.”
Like the contestants on the show, Top Shot players must demonstrate their mastery of weapons from all eras of human history. Adding to the fun, each player’s best shots will be replayed in slow motion, and that clip can be shared to show off all across Facebook.
The goal of the game is to blow stuff into smithereens using exotic or high-powered weapons. Players progress through a challenge ladder, facing off against contestants from the show and challenging their friends in completed events.
Related links:
http://www.history.com/shows/top-shot
