The OC set to become mobile video game

Mischa Barton from The OC.

LOS ANGELES - Fox teen soap "The O.C." is set to become a mobile video game.

Publisher Gameloft will announce a multiyear license Monday with the first game scheduled to launch next year. The hit series joins Gameloft's collection of Hollywood-related mobile games, including "War of the Worlds" and "King Kong."

Gameloft president Michel Guillemot said the property will allow players either to assume the role of one of the four main characters from the show or to create their own original character. The style of play is similar to reality-simulation titles like "The Sims," allowing fans of the show to explore the "O.C." universe by dressing to impress, joining the right cliques, dating the right people and striving to fit into the ultra-trendy community, Guillemot said.

"The game was designed with the intention of capturing a realistic and true environment that mimicked the show, yet provide new elements to it that was specific only to the game," he said. "We took into consideration the pivotal moments of the last two seasons and worked to create a realistic 'O.C.' environment."

Gameloft is taking the creative lead on the game, but the publisher will continue to collaborate with "The O.C." program creators on the title.

- REUTERS