US gun maker arming Wii shooter game

(AFP) -

Legendary rifle maker Remington Arms Company said it has teamed with videogame maker Mastiff to put virtual versions of its guns in a hunting title tailored for Wii consoles.

"Remington Great American Bird Hunt" for play on the popular Nintendo videogame consoles will be released by Mastiff in October.

"I grew up with Remington," said Mastiff chief executive Bill Swartz, explaining that his father was an avid hunter.

"I still remember as a child when an A on a spelling test earned me what my dad called 'a boy-sized 22 rifle.' Naturally, it was a Remington."

Japanese videogame maker Mastiff publishes a "Deer Drive" hunting game for Wii and will soon add "Shimano Xtreme Fishing" to its list of outdoor action titles for the consoles.

US-based Remington is renowned for shotguns, rifles and ammunition.

"Mastiff's success with outdoor sports games coupled with their commitment to quality and attention to detail make them a great fit for the Remington brand," said Remington spokesman Marc Hill.

"Introducing hunting and the shooting sports to youth and non-shooters, is a key strategy for Remington, and we're incredibly excited to share our passion in the 'Remington Great American Bird Hunt' game."

gc/jm