(19 April 2008 6:30 pm)

MUMBAI: Aurona Technologies, a unit of Pyramid Saimira Theatre Ltd (PSTL), has announced an agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) to develop a console game based on Hanuman for Sony's PS2 console platform.

The Hanuman game will be Sony's foray into launching country-specific titles for India's growing market for PlayStation 2 games.

SCEE co-chief operating officer Jim Ryan said, "We are committing significant resources to growing the market for console games in India. We have chosen the Hanuman game as our first title specifically developed for the Indian market as the theme is an ever-popular one across the country and to Indian abroad. We selected Aurona after evaluating various game development Companies in India."

Aurona CEO Santosh Pillai said, " The game will be developed in our Hyderabad studios which has a track record in shipping several PC and console games. Hanuman, as a character, offers infinite possibilities for game play development. Pyramid Saimira has earmarked considerable resources to grow the games market in India and this is the first in a series of initiatives from the group."

As part of the agreement, the game will be distributed in markets outside India where there are significant Indian communities. The two Companies might develop possible sequels for the title, says the release.