CBBC is about to make watching TV a lot less passive for children after its first commission for a play along game show.
Ludus, a new thirty-minute interactive programme due to launch in the New Year, is set to entice children to play along in real-time with the contestants on the show.
Produced by Boom Pictures in Cardiff, Ludus will be a “true multi-platform production,” the BBC said on Thursday.
Children will be able to play the games together with the programme’s contestants – whether they are watching the show as it is broadcast or viewing on BBC iPlayer. The games will be available on desktop and mobile devices to enjoy alongside the show.
‘Ludus’ is a villain who has taken the friends and family of three children into space. The children must play the six levels of Ludus to win back their loved ones and, in the final game, they must try and win their own ticket back home.
“Our new fantasy adventure game allows viewers who prefer a more immersive experience to join in the fun and play along at home,” said Controller of CBBC, Cheryl Taylor.
“Ludus is compelling and charismatic with a big thrill factor for those who just want to view too. We’re confident that this will be the first of many such sophisticated experiences for CBBC.”
Ofcom’s recent survey into children’s media use showed that half of 8-11 year olds in the UK now have access to a mobile and 44% to a tablet, up from only 13% in 2012.
Executive Producer at Boom, Rob Hyde, added: “We have given the show a vintage sci-fi feel that we hope will appeal to both children and their families. When designing the interior of the space ship we imagined how it might look if it had been designed for kids by Apple and NASA.”
