Anyone Can Be An 'idol' With New Vid Game

Fans of "American Idol" should start practicing their moves. The popular reality singing contest looks ready to go truly interactive after a multiyear agreement set to be announced today between Konami Digital Entertainment and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide Americas.

Konami acquired the rights to develop games for current and next-generation video game systems for distribution throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

Neither company is willing to share further details about the project. It's worth noting, however, that Konami is known for such music video games as "Dance Dance Revolution," "Karaoke Revolution" and next year's "beatmania," all of which used licensed music and are played by physically performing the title activity rather than by using a traditional game controller.

"Not only did we start this genre, we lead it, and we continue to expand it," said Geoff Mulligan, chief operating officer of Konami Digital Entertainment America. "This is a huge addition for us."

The widely recognized brand name has been a video game before via a previous license with Codemasters. That was played by pressing buttons in time with an onscreen display. When asked what Konami would do differently, Mulligan declined to answer except to say that further announcements would be made by December.

He also hinted at additional deals in the future. "We're both hoping this will be a long-term collaboration and maybe not just in this category," Mulligan said.

"American Idol" was created by Simon Fuller of 19 TV and developed by FremantleMedia.