Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Announces Launch of 'Harry Potter for Kinect'

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and Eurocom today announced the North American release of Harry Potter for Kinect. Available exclusively on Kinect™ for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the game allows players to join Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger on an extraordinary and magical adventure through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and beyond.

Harry Potter for Kinect gives players the opportunity to play as some of their favorite characters from the Harry Potter series – and, utilizing the face scanning technology available only through Kinect for Xbox 360, the ability to create a wizard or witch character in their likeness, allowing players themselves to become active participants in the game.

Using Kinect controller-free and voice recognition technology, players can cast spells at opponents, repel Dementors, battle Death Eaters, duck to avoid the wild branches of the Whomping Willow, swim alongside Grindylows in the lake, and dodge dangerous Bludgers during a Quidditch match.

Harry Potter for Kinect, which is based on all eight Harry Potter films, gives players the opportunity to relive some of the movies’ most memorable moments, from being Sorted at Hogwarts to confronting He Who Must Not Be Named in a climactic final battle. Additionally, players can take on their opponents in competitive mini-games, or join forces with family and friends in co-op gameplay.

On a related note:

Earlier this summer, videogame publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment partnered with Zooppa to hold a contest inviting all musically-inclined Harry Potter fans to create their own original, fantasy-inspired music track for the Harry Potter for Kinect videogame trailer.

The winner for the contest has been chosen: Sam Dillard of Texas. In addition to his music being featured in the trailer, Sam also won $7,000 in cash prize. Listen for Sam’s music in the trailer, which was released this morning on the game’s release date.

Harry Potter for Kinect is now available for the suggested retail price of $49.99 (U.S.). The game is rated E10+, appropriate for everyone 10 years and older. For more information about Harry Potter for Kinect, visit harrypotterforkinect.com.