Battling the elements in the Discovery Channel's 'Man vs. Wild' and braving the tumultuous seas of 'Deadliest Catch' are no longer limited to the imagination, as both popular shows are heading to stores as video games. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Discovery Communications is working with video game publisher Crave to adapt both series. The 'Deadliest Catch' video game is expected to hit shelves for Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS by spring 2010. The 'Man v. Wild' video game will be available on those systems, as well as X-Box 360, but isn't expected until toward the end of 2011.
Both shows have become signature series for Discovery, gaining recognition across the mainstream for their extreme conditions and the dangers faced on both.
'Man v. Wild' gained national exposure and recognition for the June 2, 2009 episode featuring actor/comedian Will Ferrell tackling the wilderness alongside host Bear Grylls. In the special, which was watched by approximately 4 million people, Ferrell used Grylls' guidance and knowledge to survive the elements.
In the forthcoming video game, players won't be Grylls. Like Ferrell, their character will use the survival skills he's taught them, and with his guidance, they'll navigate some of the landscapes and environments featured on the show. Grylls is expected to lend his voice to the game. As for 'Deadliest Catch', there was a game for the X-Box 360 in 2008: 'Deadliest Catch: Alaskan Storm.' But Crave executive vice president Betsi Gijanto "didn't feel like it stayed true to the action of the show." 'Alaskan Storm' had players manage the fishing experience rather than participate in the high-stakes drama. In the new verison, players will captain the crab boats on the Bering Sea, gathering fishing pots and fighting to generate profits.
And, of course, facing the deadliest conditions any seafaring captain would knowingly sail into.
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