By Quinton Miles

Earlier today, Sony Pictures agreed on an exclusive multi-title licensing deal with Ubisoft which allows the company to develop games based on two upcoming films from Sony Picture Animation. The first title out of the gate will be [i]Open Season[/i], an action-adventure comedy starring Boog (voiced by Martin Lawrence), a grizzly bear living in the tranquil town of Timberline.

“The slate of films from Sony Pictures Animation offers tremendous opportunities to develop truly unique and entertaining games,” said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer at Ubisoft. “Ubisoft’s long-term agreement with Sony Pictures allows us to be part of the creative process from the very beginning, working closely with the animators and directors on the vision and tone of the games.

“We are amazed by the quality of their work and their stories which will no doubt enthral the public. Their films will entertain audiences both young and old – who we hope will relive their theatre experiences by interacting with the story through truly captivating games.”

[i]Open Season[/i] will hit stores on all major systems in conjunction with the film next year. The other announced game, [i]Surf’s Up[/i] will follow in 2007.