Playboy Crosses Over to Video Games

As if the magazine isn't enough, an Arizona software company has taken the Playboy experience to the next level - with a video game. In Playboy: The Mansion, users will be able to live the life of Hugh Hefner, whether it is deciding who gets into the magazine, setting up photo shoots, or throwing the massive parties that Mr. Hefner is most known for.

In the game, both the mission-driven "Campaign Mode" and the open-ended "Empire Mode" task players to collect reward points and unlock the "Playboy Archives" which is a full collection of magazine covers, photo shoots and art from more than 50 years of Playboy.

"Hugh Hefner is an American icon, and we feel privileged to be involved in a game based on his life," said Jim Perkins, president and CEO of ARUSH Publishing. "Playboy: The Mansion captures the spirit of sexy fun the Playboy name embodies, and we know gamers will love it."

The idea was not ARUSH's, however. "Since the beginning of Playboy Magazine, I have looked for new ways to expand the Playboy experience, and video games are the next logical step," said Hefner. "Playboy: The Mansion is a fascinating game, and it lets players step into my slippers, putting out the magazine and throwing the parties."

The game, obviously rated "M" for mature, will cost $39.99 USD for the PC, and $49.99 USD for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox versions.