Next Playtech slot has a recent movie theme

The next Playtech online video slot could well capitalise on the popularity of the bestselling novel and movie “Cowboys and Aliens” following a deal announced this week with Platinum Studios, Inc., an entertainment company that controls the publication and usage rights.

As part of a multi-year licensing deal, a Cowboys and Aliens slot game will be the first launch under the agreement. For Playtech, this follows the success of the software developer’s branded slots from Marvel Comics and currently represents the only other comic book-based property in its branded casino game portfolio.

The full launch is some way off, scheduled for summer 2012, but will see the new game appear on multiple gaming sites throughout multiple markets across the planet.

Platinum Studios licensed the Cowboys and Aliens live action film rights to DreamWorks, which Universal Pictures released in North America and Paramount Pictures distributed internationally. According to IMDBpro, the film has now grossed over $170 million worldwide, not including DVD, television and other mediums.

The feature film version of Cowboys and Aliens is soon to be released on Blu-ray, DVD and other formats. The film stars Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde, is directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man” and “Iron Man 2”), and executive produced by Steven Spielberg and produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Rosenberg.

Platinum Studios’ CEO and creator of Cowboys and Aliens, Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, said: “Gaming is a whole new playing field for us, and perfectly follows Cowboys and Aliens’ success at the box office. I’m looking forward to people playing Cowboys and Aliens slots in their living rooms!”

Playtech’s head of content Sagi Harari said: “This comic book fits in well with our existing branded games portfolio, since it is instantly recognizable due to the great success of the movie, and it also lends itself to visually impressive games. Powerful branded games are in high demand, and fans as well as casino-game players will be thrilled to experience our new offering.”

Cowboys and Aliens, tells the story of an alien invasion in the 19th century Wild West.