I AM PLAYR / IMMERSIVE FOOTBALL GAME

An immense new point-of-view social game based around the wild and tumultuous world of the professional footballer will kick off over at Facebook in the new year. Brought to you from the team at We R Interactive and film maestros Big Balls Productions (who previous worked on Who Killed Summer and Kate Modern), the free to play Facebook based game puts you in the sweaty boots of a professional player at fictional football club River Park FC, mixing first person perspective gameplay, interactive video and storytelling through different media to create a rich gaming experience that you don't even have to leave the comfort of your favourite social network for.

Its integration of course opens up social opportunities, and while the game is played by individuals, players can work collaboratively to improve stats and social standing, as well as sharing content.

After signing up with Riverpark you'll spend a few weeks building up fitness and practicing skills - the harder you train, the better your player becomes, but just like in the real world there are many distractions off the pitch that can waylay progress on it. Too much partying costs you in game energy and affects mental preparation, with negative stories and scandals off the pitch providing unwelcome distractions from the big game.

Just like the real thing, I AM PLAYR opens up great opportunities for brands to get in on the action, with a range of virtual items available in game. Players can pay to upgrade items such as kit or boots, which will give them better accuracy, touch and speed. Energy drinks top up levels and give more opportunities to train. Nike, for example, has signed as a principal sponsor and will be fully integrated into the storyline and game experience. As the season progresses players build up their bank balance and also unlock exclusive items based on performance, including the requisite penthouse apartment and sport car. These too have an impact on your game - looking like an international superstar raises off pitch profile and value. 

We R Interactive co-founder Dave Rose, says: 'Spielberg said "I think the real indicator will be when somebody confesses that they cried at Level 17" (to the University of Southern California, 2004). With I AM PLAYR we are splicing film and game. Film gives us the ability to build characters and bring a more visceral feel to the interactive experience.' We're sure it won't be long until a tear or two are shed.

I AM PLAYR will be released in January, 2011.