Dick Clark Goes Virtual in 'Retro World' Social Game

Dick Clark is making his video game debut next month with the launch of Entertainment Games’ Retro World social casual game on Facebook. The Emmy Award-winning TV and radio host will appear in the game as he did in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Clark will serve as the tutorial guide for the growing segment of gamers over 40 that the game developer is targeting with this new social game experience.

“The idea of using past images of myself to guide players through a current online social game is a very innovative approach that I found intriguing," said Clark. "I look forward to serving as your host on this nostalgic and ground-breaking gaming experience."

Clark will join other entertainment icons like Elvis Presley and John Belushi in the free-to-play game, which will debut on Facebook and then expand to Google+, the Web and mobile devices.

“Dick is something a little different from other celebrities in the game in that he is the guide of Retro World,” said Gene Mauro, President of Entertainment Games. “He is instrumental in the tutorial and in helping players understand the world.”

Mauro said Clark may be available as a purchasable avatar in the game, as well. Presley and Belushi will be available for consumers to buy and play with as a character, along with the other celebs that will be announced over the coming months.

Through the licensing deal with Dick Clark productions, a variety of Dick Clark branded virtual goods will be sold within the game.

“His iconic history lends itself to all sorts of virtual goods that cover just about every pop culture experience you can dream up,” said Mauro. “We will be announcing more on those plans soon.”

Retro World will offer gamers a series of episodic adventure games set in the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, starting with the ’60s era “Owl Files”. The game world will also offer trivia games and mini-games. Down the line, classic Hollywood TV shows from these eras will be turned into adventure games.