An offer you can't refuse...

Electronic Arts and Viacom Consumer Products are publishing The Godfather, a game that will put players right in the middle of the action in one of the most beloved works of art in history. The game is inspired by the book by Mario Puzo and the classic film from Paramount Pictures. Players will become members of the Don Corleone family and earn respect through their loyalty and actions. The game is set in New York City between 1945 and 1955. It is scheduled for release in the fall of 2005 by EA GAMES™ for the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Sony PSP™ entertainment system and the PC.

Players will create their own gangster character, jump into the action, and relive classic moments alongside familiar heroes from the film. After completing small tasks and heists, the player will be recruited into the Don Corleone mafia family, America's most notorious criminal organization. It will be up to the player to fulfill the demands, earn respect, and bring the entire city of New York to their feet.

"We are thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to bring The Godfather to video game form," said David DeMartini, executive producer of the game at EA. "The Godfather films have raised the bar for cinematic storytelling and high drama, and in fall 2005, gamers will be able to experience the dangerous and action-packed life of the mafia for themselves."

"We are thrilled to partner with Electronic Arts and bring this unique concept to the interactive world," said Sandi Isaacs, vice president of Nickelodeon & Viacom Interactive Consumer Products. "The Godfather is a masterpiece from Paramount Pictures. We are confident that this game will deliver the immersive experience that fans around the world have been eagerly awaiting."

The game offers an action-adventure gameplay. The Godfather title will offer players countless chances to resolve family problems, whether through violence, diplomacy, or a combination of both. Gangster shootouts, bank robberies, and extortion will take you deep into the mafia world, where intimidation and negotiation will be among your weapons. Players have the opportunity to earn respect through their loyalty and ability to inspire fear as they interact with other characters. The decisions the player makes during the game will have lasting consequences, just like in the gangster underworld depicted in the movie The Godfather.

The Godfather movie featured some of the best actors, some of whom lent their voices to the game and contributed to its creation; for example, James Caan as Sonny Corleone and Robert Duvall as Consigliere Tom Hagen. Before his death, Marlon Brando gave his approval to EA to develop the story, and arranged a meeting with the creators. His character, Don Vito Corleone, the Godfather, will appear in the game.

The Godfather is being developed by EA Redwood Shores, the studio behind hit video game franchises such as Lord of the Rings, James Bond, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR. The game does not yet have a PEGI rating.