MS announces Viva Piñata

Viva Piñata will air on 4Kids TV on FOX in the US, starting in the autumn. In the show a group of piñata ‘friends’ will embark on wild adventures on Piñata Island. The cast of cute characters is expected to make the TV show a big hit in its Saturday morning slot. Microsoft and Rare will then release the video game for the Xbox 360 this Christmas, capitalising on the expected popularity of the new show.

“With ‘Viva Piñata,’ we are introducing a revolutionary brand that will entertain, inspire and excite children, families and creative minds around the globe,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Corp. “With Rare and 4Kids Entertainment we will best showcase the vibrant world of ‘Viva Piñata,’ enabling a mass audience to have an immersive experience via the animated television series, the Xbox 360 title and related merchandise.”

The video game is said to be a “customisable, social and spontaneous game that invites players of all ages and skills to explore an immersive world where they are challenged to create and maintain a living garden ecosystem that grows in real time.” The garden will be unique to each player and will attract more than 60 different wild piñata. Xbox Live will also be supported, with online play and trading being a key part of the experience.

Expect to hear more about the game at E3 in May. Check out the media section for the first screen shots.