U.K.-based Tiger Aspect Productions (Mr. Bean, Charlie and Lola, Aliens Love Underpants) has optioned the rights to develop the critically acclaimed, hand-painted action-adventure game Knights and Bikes from creators Foam Sword and Knights Of (publisher of the companion book series written by Gabrielle Kent). The studio will be turning the property into an animated series aimed at kids 6-12.
Knights and Bikes launched this summer, created by award-winning video game vets Rex Crowle and Moo Yu, whose credits include LittleBigPlanet, Ratchet & Clank, Tearaway and Moshi Monsters.
The game centers on young and her new best friend Nessa, who drags her out of her everyday life on a quest to find legendary treasures and solve ancient mysteries on their island home. The duo ride their bikes, solving puzzles, causing accidental mayhem and generally having the best holiday-adventure possible — equipped with Frizbees, water-balloons, their trusty bikes and their loyal pet goose, Captain Honkers. (Rated PEGI for players age 7 and up.)
“The energy, humor and joy that continually bursts out of TV animation was a large inspiration in creating Knights and Bikes, not just in the way it looks, but also in the themes and tone of the game,” said Crowle. “It’s a fantastically fun new development for us to be working with Tiger Aspect on a Knights and Bikes animated series, and taking things full-circle. In fact, I wonder what future games this series will inspire?!”
Tom Beattie, Head of Kids and Family at Tiger Aspect Productions, stated, “Having been a huge fan of Rex and Moo’s previous games, it’s a no brainer for us to develop the world of Knights and Bikes as an animated series. With a funky female duo at its heart, a stunning world to explore and two brilliant books from Knights Of, we’re thrilled to be part of the adventure.”
Inclusive children’s publisher Knights Of published the spin-off books by Kent, with more books planned in the series. David Stevens, publisher, commented that he is “excited that the brilliant world Rex and Moo created, and Gabrielle has expanded, will be bouncing off the page with the brilliant team at Tiger Aspect.”
