FOSTER CITY, Calif., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) today announced the launch of Wonderbook™: Book of Spells, a first-of-its-kind experience for the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system, from SCE London Studios in collaboration with J.K. Rowling. The first title to utilize the revolutionary new PS3 peripheral, Wonderbook™, Book of Spells is a highly-immersive storytelling title unlike any other, which brings a world of magic to life on-screen using the latest augmented reality technology via the PlayStation®Eye camera and PlayStation®Move motion controller. It is also the first product to result from Sony’s partnership with Pottermore, Rowling’s unique and free-to-use website that builds an exciting online experience around the reading of her best-selling Harry Potter™ books.
“Wonderbook: Book of Spells is the closest a Muggle can come to a real spellbook,” Rowling said. “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.”
“We’re pleased to partner with J.K. Rowling to capture the magic of one of the most beloved book series of all time in our debut title for Wonderbook,” said Guy Longworth, Senior Vice President, PlayStation Brand Marketing, SCEA. “With the introduction of Wonderbook and titles like Book of Spells, we continue to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment, using augmented reality to deliver a remarkably unique experience that the entire family can enjoy together.”
Wonderbook: Book of Spells takes players on a fantastic journey, allowing them to read and learn the secrets of wizardry while using PlayStation®Move motion controller as their magic wand, just like a student at Hogwarts. Players will be able to practice spells they already know and love such as Incendio, Wingardium Leviosa and Expelliarmus, as well as discover mischievous notes and spells scribbled into the margins by previous Hogwarts students. In addition to humorous anecdotal facts relating to the spells, Rowling has written a conundrum to lead players through the experience, providing insight into what makes a successful witch or wizard. Fans are invited to journey through the book and unlock new tales at the end of each chapter, earning rewards for their successful spell-casting.
In the world of Harry Potter, Book of Spells was written over 200 years ago by Miranda Goshawk, a name fans of the series will recognize as the author of The Standard Book of Spells series. Unlike those volumes, Book of Spells can only be found in the ‘Restricted Section’ of the Hogwarts library. It is an advanced textbook for students, which will assist them on their journey to becoming an accomplished witch or wizard.
Wonderbook: Book of Spells is the first title for the PS3 system’s innovative Wonderbook peripheral, which delivers the next evolution of storytelling. Wonderbook uses the PlayStation®Eye camera to take augmented reality to spectacular new places, while drawing players into new worlds and allowing them to interact with stories as they tilt or rotate it, or simply turn the pages. In addition to Wonderbook: Book of Spells, a thrilling lineup of projects is in the works for Wonderbook, including Diggs Nightcrawler, a film noir detective story from the Academy Award™ winning studio Moonbot, Walking with Dinosaurs from the BBC, an exciting partnership with Disney, and many more.
For more information on Wonderbook and Book of Spells, please visit www.playstationwonderbook.com. Wonderbook™: Book of Spells is rated “E10+” for Everyone 10+ by the independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).