Phelps Strikes Deal with Video Game Maker

Olympics swimming superstar Michael Phelps will help develop and promote a series of video games to be produced by 505 Games.

The first project from the multi-year collaboration is slated for release in the spring of 2010. It will be an adventure game that will revolve around swimming, according to Claudia Cavazzia, brand manager for 505 Games.

“We are working really closely with Michael. He’s a gamer himself and he’s interested in delivering a game that’s interesting and fun,” Cavazzia said.

The video game company is currently evaluating the target demographic for the game through focus groups.

Phelps and some of his U.S. Swimming Team mates may be characters in the game. 505 will donate some of the proceeds from the sales of the game to the Michael Phelps Foundation.

“I believe this will be a tremendous opportunity to help continue my quest to raise the profile for the sport of swimming,” Phelps said in a statement.

Phelps is represented by Octagon, which brokered the deal with 505 Games.

For more coverage on entertainment marketing