GAMING: Day X Exists

In anticipation of the New Zealand release of the action-thriller Salt, starring Angelina Jolie, in theatres August 19, 2010, Columbia Pictures has developed an immersive gaming experience that complements the themes and characters explored in the film.

Missions

In the nine-mission adventure, audiences take on a series of espionage-themed missions relevant to the game’s original Salt-themed narrative, drawing them into a world of intrigue, espionage, and betrayal.  In the game, shot on location, audiences seek to determine “Who is Salt?” by bugging suspects, tracking enemy operatives, and decrypting messages.  The game experience found at www.DayXExists.co.nz launches new missions as follows:

• Jul 27 Launches With Mission 1 - Interrogation
• Jul 29 Mission 2 - Photo Surveillance
• Aug 3 Mission 3 - Electronic Dead Drop
• Aug 5 Mission 4 - Laser Bug
• Aug 10 Mission 5 - Signal Diverter
• Aug 12 Mission 6 - Tracer
• Aug 17 Mission 7 - Stealth
• Aug 18 Mission 8 - Sniper
• A 19 Mission 9 - Shootout

Commenting on the launch of the game, Dwight Caines, president, Worldwide Digital Marketing for Sony Pictures said  "This game is built on a series of cliffhanger moments that enhance the moviegoing experience by allowing audiences a unique and truly fun glimpse into the movie.  While the missions are serialized, it was also important to create an environment that allows players to join midstream or follow at their convenience.  We believe the mystery and action that surrounds the Day X plot, which is central to the film, will keep web fans coming back to the central question – who is Salt?”

In the Salt Day X Exists game, CIA Operative Evelyn Salt has been identified as a sleeper agent and the agency is on high alert to stop a mysterious plot called Day X.  Online moviegoers play as a young CIA agent on the Day X taskforce who Salt contacts, professing her innocence and asking for help to clear her of suspicion.  Every week, players view a video, in which Salt will deliver a information and tips about the ongoing investigation, and embark on a mission to uncover another layer of the larger Day X plot. The game has been translated into 12 languages and has/will launch in the US, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latin America, New Zealand, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Taiwan, and the UK.

The game was constructed by Hoodlum, which previously designed the Emmy-winning alternate reality games for the hit television series “Lost.”  “Hoodlum is one of the companies that has set the bar for what an immersive game can be,” said Caines.  “They brought high production value to the videos and a creative genius to the missions that will keep this nine-week adventure fresh and fun.”

Players will be able to track their progress in the game via a specially constructed online Dashboard, the game’s central homepage.  Players can skip a weekly mission if they choose or replay any part of the available missions in any order.  The game also teams with Sony Electronics to feature some of the latest gear that any modern day spy would need to be successful, including the Sony Dash™ Personal Internet Viewer, the Sony Reader Touch Edition, Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A850 camera, and other products.

www.DayXExists.co.nz

Angelina Jolie stars in Salt, a contemporary action thriller from Columbia Pictures.  As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: “Who Is Salt?”

Salt is directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Kurt Wimmer.  Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Sunil Perkash produce.