EA and Endemol sign virtual TV show deal

Electronic Arts (EA) has signed a deal with Endemol, the TV company behind Big Brother, which will allow TV fans to appear on virtual editions of shows such as Fame Academy and Deal or No Deal.

Endemol and videogames manufacturer EA have created Virtual Me, an online platform that allows users to create an avatar to appear in shows. The two companies claim that Virtual Me “bridges the divide between traditional TV and videogames” and will offer people a new way to meet and socialise online.

Endemol chief creative officer Peter Bazalgette: “We’re told that people are starting to spend more time online than they are watching TV. Both markets are now important and this has huge implications for content creators.”

The companies are setting up a dedicated team to work on the initiative.