Explore the land of Oz (sans James Franco) on Facebook this year

Dorothy and Toto certainly aren't in Kansas anymore ... they're on Facebook. In the first-ever social game surrounding the iconic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, players will soon get to explore the magical world of Oz in full 3D and with their Facebook friends. The branded social game is under development at Chicago-based studio Spooky Cool Labs and will be published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

Using Turner Entertainment's lucrative license, Spooky Cool labs has immortalized the then young and beautiful Judy Garland, not-so-young-and-beautiful Margaret Hamilton and more in full-color (note the distinction) 3D, according to Hollywood Reporter. (So, no James Franco and Mila Kunis in this game ... for now.)

"I don't think there's ever been a high end product developed off of a big brand like this, ever, in this space," Spooky Cool Labs CEO Joe Kaminkow told Hollywood Reporter. "There have been things like a Game of Thrones and others, but something so nostalgic based, will have great appeal to our demographic which is decidedly females 35 plus, up to 55 years of age."

Using the Unity Engine to power its visuals, The Wizard of Oz game as originally developed by a Danish studio. Of course, the game is free-to-play, but it will supported by micro-transactions offering players in-game boosts. Throughout their adventure toward the Emerald City and ultimately back home to Kansas, players will embark on side quests that see them building houses and acquiring special powers over time. It's safe to say that Spooky Cool Labs is in this for the long haul.

"The day we launch the game is not the day we end development," Kaminkow said. "It's the day we ramp up development, because we know the consumer is going to be insatiable wanting more and more experiences in the game. So, we have a multiyear production plan of taking the players on this fantastic journey."

[Via Kotaku]

Are you psyched for the Wizard of Oz Facebook game? What do you think of these branded social games? Sound off in the comments. Add Comment.