Previously Posted By JohnnyTAE:
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December 11, 2002 - It's high time we had a Playboy game, isn't it? We sure think so. In conjunction with ARUSH Entertainment and co-publisher Groove Games, Playboy Enterprises announced today its intention to make a set of sim-style Playboy videogames for PlayStation 2, PC and Xbox.
Slated for a 2004 release date, the first of the Playboy games (the title of which has not yet been announced) enables players to step into the mind, robe, slippers and well, body of Playboy mogul Hugh Hefner to establish and build a Playboy empire and... live a Playboy lifestyle. Leisure Suit Larry, eat your heart out.
"Basically the first game is in concept stage," said Donald Case, marketing manager. "We're in talks with several developers right now who are all very interested. We're actively pursuing a few groups of developers in early January. We could start showing the game around E3."
After Sony Computer Entertainment America's recent censorship of Acclaim's BMX XXX, however, Playboy's game will be very interesting indeed when it comes time for final approval. Exactly how far will the game go?
"We're absolutely not trying to push the envelope," added Case. "We don't want to make the game borderline AO [Adult Only], it's going to be an M-rated game. It will, however, have nudity, topless female nudity. And it will be rated by the ESRB. But we don't want to take it to the same level as BMX XXX. We're going to present it in a different way. It'll be classy and sexy, but not in your face. We are still discussing it now, and we haven't decided whether we'll use polygonal breasts or use actual live footage."
Naturally, with the official Playboy license, the potential for sexual content is enormous. Furthering the potential is the knowledge that ARUSH and Groove Games have full access to the Playboy library of magazines, and perhaps more importantly, access to working with active Playboy playmates.
"The folks from Playboy have been great to work with," said Case, who added that it's very likely they'll be able to use the Playboy Mansion in this game. "The game will highlight the Playboy lifestyle, parties and the fun part of being a Playboy mogul. Hugh Hefner may be in the game, though it?s still quite early. Certainly, we have access to re-creating his persona in the game."
"We're delighted to work with ARUSH and Groove to develop this game and provide the Playboy audience with a new and exciting way to interact with our brand," said Alex Vaickus, president of global licensing, PEI. "This deal marks Playboy's entry into the videogame category and is a significant breakthrough for us as we expand the licensing of our brand in the entertainment arena."
ARUSH Entertainment recently published Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project and Hunting Unlimited and will publish Devastation in 2003. ARUSH will market the game in Playboy magazine and on Playboy.com to support the launch.
"This unique new game based on the incredibly popular Playboy brand will enable game players to become their own Hugh Hefner," commented Jim Perkins, president and CEO, ARUSH Entertainment. "This will be a fun, exciting experience that will challenge players to build their own virtual Playboy empire and live the fantastic Playboy lifestyle, appealing to video game enthusiasts and Playboy fans worldwide."
We'll make sure to cover this game with all the focus and detail you expect from IGN...and then some.

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First Step: Find your cousin.
Second Step: Get your cousin in the cannon.
Third Step: Find another cousin.
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