Lionsgate continues to leverage the brand of The Hunger Games to increase the buzz on the film’s release today.  First, the film is being released on the big screen ‘day and date.’  ’Day and date’ means that it is being released globally on the same day. Often films are released in the US first and then slowly rolled out on an international scale.  Certain territories are rolled out earlier than others in fear of piracy and distributors (i.e. studios) aim to benefit from the buzz of one country overflowing into other countries in order to boost box office performance. Due to international appeal of the film, 99% of territories are getting The Hunger Games today.

Second, Lionsgate now is rolling out a mobile game to coincide with the film’s release. The game is free and called GIRL ON FIRE.  Studios often do this not necessarily to profit from it directly but to use the game as a complimentary measure to get people into theaters.  Consider it a marketing ploy.  Mobile game is growing at 20+ percent a year while console gaming is growing at around 8%.

Press Release….

DEFEND KATNISS AGAINST THE CAPITOL!  From the award-winning creators of indie game sensation CANABALT comes the official FREE game, THE HUNGER GAMES: GIRL ON FIRE.

Play as KATNISS EVERDEEN, the young heroine from District 12, whose sharp instincts are matched only by her even sharper bow-and-arrow shot!   Help her find her way back home, while taking down the tracker jackers with your trusty bow and arrow — but be careful once you get to District 12… The Capitol’s hovercrafts may come looking for you!

Currently #26 on the iTunes App Store and #17 in Games (the largest and most competitive category) THE HUNGER GAMES: GIRL ON FIRE also has 4.5 out of 5 stars so be sure to download it now!

Download the game now for iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch at www.bit.ly/PlayHungerGames!