Glasgow, United Kingdom (PressExposure) September 28, 2011 -- Huzutech founder Graeme Harvey is set to tell an audience of children's book publishers that the industry must embrace the rapidly developing social games sector if it is to remain relevant to a new generation of young readers.
Addressing a prestigious audience at the Bookseller Children's Conference 2011 today, Harvey will draw on his experiences working with some of the biggest brands in children's entertainment to demonstrate how publishers can extend the commercial life cycle of characters and content by placing them at the centre of their own immersive virtual worlds. The Huzutech MD, who recently brought the popular Horrible Histories series to life using his firm's unique technology, will tell attendees that the emerging field of social games will provide publishers with a wealth of fresh opportunities to exploit existing content.
"There's may have been an lot of talk about how the internet is killing book publishing, but the stark reality is that in actual fact digital technologies can add a new and refreshing dimension to the industry, dusting off favourite titles and breathing new life into the characters and concepts that children love so much. Creating these virtual worlds not only allows publishers to introduce their stories to young audiences in a lively and appealing way, but also enables them to explore the full marketing and commercial potential of the brands they invest so much in," said Harvey.
The Huzutech platform combines virtual worlds, social networks and online communities in an entirely new way, enabling the creation of persistent online worlds in which hundreds of players can compete, collaborate and play. Users only need their regular web browser to participate and can play using any platform (including tablets, iPads, mobile devices and netbooks) while also communicating via the integrated links into their favourite social networks.
The technology has already been seized upon by numerous brand owners and media companies who wish to bring their properties to the new online, social and connected audience, making their brand a part of each user's digital social life. Most recently Huzutech launched a new virtual world for Scholastic, extending the reach of its hugely successful Horrible Histories® books and TV series.
Harvey added: "At the root of its success has always been the Horrible Histories series' ability to transport readers and viewers into different worlds, and this latest development serves to underline that magical quality. The franchise provides the perfect backdrop for an exciting and engaging virtual world, and although we've taken great care to preserve the very real connection it has with its audience, by tying everything into the social networks and allowing every user to visit and explore the world through a simple web brower we've created an entirely new way of experiencing an already much-loved brand."