J.K. Rowling to revive Harry Potter as Sony launches Book of Spells game for PlayStation 3
Tuesday 05 June 2012
Related articles
J.K. Rowling is to revive Harry Potter for a virtual reality spellbook which will be Sony’s latest weapon against Microsoft in the computer games console battle.
The Book of Spells game features dozens of new spells and puzzles which appear to come to life on screen when accessed through the Wonderbook, an “augmented reality” addition to the Sony PlayStation 3.
Players use a Sony Move Controller which appears on the screen as a wand attachment to bring the book to life. Gamers can learn “spells” as if they were at Hogwarts School with dragons and fire appearing to emerge from the book.
“This is the closest a Muggle can come to a real spellbook,” said Rowling, who created new Potter content for the game. “I’ve loved working with Sony’s creative team to bring my spells, and some of the history behind them, to life. This is an extraordinary device that offers a reading experience like no other.”
Rowling had been working with the Sony Computer Entertainment team in secret for months and the results were unveiled at the E3 games conference in Los Angeles. The Book of Spells is expected in stores at Christmas, selling for around £30.
Sony, competing against upgrades to Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Nintendo’s Wii U consoles, is relying on the Wonderbook to retain gamers’ interest in the PlayStation 3 whilst its successor is being developed.
Sales of computer games have slumped in the US, down 42 per cent year-on-year in April and Sony’s investors have expressed concern at the competition that the technology giant faces from Samsung and Apple.
Although Rowling has announced her first post-Potter novel, a non-fantasy story called The Casual Vacancy, she continues to explore the Potter universe. The author announced on the revamped Pottermore website that she is working on an encyclopaedia of the Harry Potter world.
Microsoft used E3 to unveil the Xbox SmartGlass, a service to allow tablet computers and smartphones to communicate with its video games consoles. It allows users to control games on touchscreen devices and will also enhance television programmes and films streamed through the Xbox.
Life & Style blogs
Where have property prices been reduced most in the UK?
Plus how much you need to earn to rent in London, and new homes figures
Is Rushcliffe the best place for families to live?
Plus where The Apprentices live, house price growth outside London, and househunter numbers
Travel Shop
- 1 Stoke City investigate 'religious abuse' after 'pig's head is found in Kenwyne Jones' locker'
- 2 Gove’s lesson: spare the comma, spoil the child
- 3 Ukip captures Labour fortress in South Yorkshire by-election
- 4 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 5 Join Ryanair! See the world! But we'll only pay you for nine months a year
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
iJobs Gadgets & Tech
WPF Developer (C#, VB.Net) - North East - 6 Months
£240 - £260 per day: Progressive Recruitment: WPF Developer (C#, VB.Net) North...
UAT
Negotiable: Progressive Recruitment: Windows 7 upgrade UAT Application Testing...
Perl Developer - £55k - Havant
£50000 - £55000 per annum: Progressive Recruitment: An experienced Perl Develo...
CRM SAP CONSULTANT, WEST SUSSEX
£50000 - £60000 per annum + Excellent benefits package: Progressive Recruitmen...
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
One man returns to Argentina's town that drowned
Gordon Ramsay's worst nightmare: A restaurant he cannot save
Why bitters are back on the bar
The 10 Best barbecues








Comments