I may have never gotten my dream game based off of James Cameron's last epic film, 1997's Titanic, but Ubisoft has taken steps to make sure that the great writer / director's work isn't bypassed for game treatment again, having secured the rights to his 2009 film "Avatar". The movie follows the story of an ex-Marine who finds himself in a struggle for survival on an alien planet. The title refers to the main character's status as an Avatar - a human mind in an alien body. Certainly sounds like a video game plot, doesn't it? With a cast that includes Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana (rawr), and Sigourney Weaver and WETA on effects detail, "Avatar" could turn out to be the next big sci fi epic.

Movie-based games generally lean towards the miss side of hit or miss, but Cameron shows great faith in the Ubisoft team.

I told the Ubisoft team I wanted them to be free to do their very best work, and not think of this as a movie-based game. They responded with a fully realized presentation which captured the soul of the world and the characters, while promising to be a knockout game on its own terms. Their passion inspired my confidence that they are going to do something transcendental."

Transcendental? What an amazingly hypetastic word, but hype seems to be a giant part of the whole "Avatar" experience. Just ask Elie Dekel, executive VP of Fox licensing and merchandising. "James Cameron's "Avatar" will re-define the movie-going experience forever." Bookmark this post, folks. Cameron has an excellent track record, but this is some great rubbing-it-in material in case the project tanks.

The movie and corresponding game are both set for May of 2009, when James Cameron's "Avatar" will completely kick your very soul right in the nuts.

Ubisoft And 20th Century Fox Team Up For Video Game Based On James Cameron's "Avatar"

London, United Kingdom - 24 July 2007 - Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced that it will develop and publish the video game based on Twentieth Century Fox's "Avatar," the upcoming feature film written and directed by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Cameron, whose previous films include "Titanic," "True Lies," "The Abyss," "Aliens," "The Terminator" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day."

"Avatar" is the story of an ex-Marine who finds himself thrust into hostilities on an alien planet filled with exotic life forms. As an Avatar, a human mind in an alien body, he finds himself torn between two worlds, in a desperate fight for his own survival and that of the indigenous people. More than ten years in the making, Avatar marks Cameron's return to feature directing since helming 1997's Titanic, the highest grossing film of all time and winner of eleven Oscars® including Best Picture. The "Avatar" cast includes Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, and Sigourney Weaver. Academy Award-winning visual effects house, WETA Digital, renowned for its work in "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy and "King Kong," will incorporate new intuitive CGI technologies to transform the environments and characters into photorealistic 3D imagery that will transport the audience into the alien world rich with imaginative vistas, creatures and characters.

"Ubisoft is excited to partner with 20th Century Fox and James Cameron on this important project. 'Avatar's' rich scenario, onscreen action and special effects will provide a wealth of inspiration to create a unique interactive experience," said Yves Guillemot, chief executive officer of Ubisoft. "True to their reputation, Ubisoft's creative teams are looking forward to recreating Cameron's high definition 3D environment in a compelling game for film and game fans."

James Cameron commented: "For the movie 'Avatar' we are creating a world rich in character, detail, conflict and cultural depth. It has the raw material for a game that the more demanding gamers of today will want to get their hands on - one that is rich in visuals and ideas, and challenging in play. I told the Ubisoft team I wanted them to be free to do their very best work, and not think of this as a movie-based game. They responded with a fully realized presentation which captured the soul of the world and the characters, while promising to be a knockout game on its own terms. Their passion inspired my confidence that they are going to do something transcendental."

Elie Dekel, Executive Vice President of Fox Licensing and Merchandising added: "James Cameron's "Avatar" will re-define the movie-going experience forever. Cameron's vision and innovative approach to film-making demand that we align this breakthrough project with the most talented and creative partners in the world. As we embark on the incredible journey that is "Avatar," we are thrilled to be collaborating with Ubisoft on the development of the video game. After an extensive review, it became clear the talented Ubisoft team is uniquely able to bring Cameron's vision into the interactive realm."

The game is expected to release in conjunction with the movie's planned opening in May 2009.