Optimus Prime, Megatron and the other Transformers are ready to make a comeback, now that Activision has signed a deal giving them the rights to develop console, handheld and PC games based on the franchise.

The deal between Hasbro and Activision was announced on Monday and the first game is scheduled to coincide with the release of a new Transformers movie on July 4, 2007.

“We are thrilled to work with Activision to bring the widely popular Transformers brand to the world of digital entertainment and introduce millions of consumers to our best-known Transformer and biggest hero of all time–Optimus Prime,” said Jane Ritson-Parsons, president of the Hasbro Properties Group.
The agreement will allow Activision to release games in all territories except Japan.

“Transformers has all of the elements necessary to translate incredibly well into video games,” said Mike Griffith, president and CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc. “We look forward to bringing the Transformers robots to life with the latest interactive technology and graphics.”