Innovative State of the Art Online Game Launched to Support Upcoming Angelina Jolie Action-Thriller 'Salt'

CULVER CITY, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the worldwide release of the action-thriller Salt, starring Angelina Jolie, in theaters July 23, 2010, Columbia Pictures has developed an immersive gaming experience that complements the themes and characters explored in the film, it was announced today by Dwight Caines, president, Worldwide Digital Marketing for Sony Pictures.

In the nine-week adventure, audiences take on a series of espionage-themed missions relevant to the game's original Salt-themed narrative, drawing them into a world of intrigue, espionage, and betrayal.  In the game, shot on location, audiences seek to determine "Who is Salt?" by bugging suspects, tracking enemy operatives, and decrypting messages.  The game experience – found at www.DayXExists.com – launches new missions each Tuesday until July 13th.

Commenting on the announcement, Caines said, "This game is built on a series of cliffhanger moments that enhance the moviegoing experience by allowing audiences a unique and truly fun glimpse into the movie.  While the missions are serialized, it was also important to create an environment that allows players to join midstream or follow at their convenience.  We believe the mystery and action that surrounds the Day X plot, which is central to the film, will keep web fans coming back to the central question – Who is Salt?"

In the Salt Day X Exists game, CIA Operative Evelyn Salt has been identified as a sleeper agent and the agency is on high alert to stop a mysterious plot called Day X.  Online moviegoers play as a young CIA agent on the Day X taskforce who Salt contacts, professing her innocence and asking for help to clear her of suspicion.  Every week, players view a video, in which Salt will deliver a information and tips about the ongoing investigation, and embark on a mission to uncover another layer of the larger Day X plot. The game will be translated into 12 languages and launch in the US, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latin America, Russia, Sweden, Spain, Taiwan, and the UK. Further, its launch is supported with its own trailer on Yahoo! Movies.

The game was constructed by Hoodlum, which previously designed the Emmy-winning alternate reality games for the hit television series "Lost."  "Hoodlum is one of the companies that has set the bar for what an immersive game can be," said Caines.  "They brought high production value to the videos and a creative genius to the missions that will keep this nine-week adventure fresh and fun."

Players will be able to track their progress in the game via a specially constructed online Dashboard, the game's central homepage.  Players can skip a weekly mission if they choose or replay any part of the available missions in any order.  The game also teams with Sony Electronics to feature some of the latest gear that any modern day spy would need to be successful, including the Sony Dash™ Personal Internet Viewer, the Sony Reader Touch Edition, Sony (alpha) DSLR-A850 camera, and other products.

Angelina Jolie stars in Salt, a contemporary action thriller from Columbia Pictures.  As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture. Salt's efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives, as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who Is Salt?"

Salt is directed by Phillip Noyce and written by Kurt Wimmer.  Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Sunil Perkash produce.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries.  Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.

SOURCE Sony Pictures Entertainment