FIGHTING FANTASY
GAMEBOOKS
Collect them all, Brave Adventurer!
London, February 2018
Scholastic presents a new cover look for the second tranche of classic Fighting Fantasy gamebooks coming out in April, together with a brand new title, THE GATES OF DEATH, by Charlie Higson. Bold, bright and eye-catching, with a collectible feel - a refreshed look for the new generation.
Scholastic describe the redesign as an evolution, still using Rob Ball's fantastic art, just bringing a cleaner feel to the overall aesthetic.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlie Higson revealed as author of new book in the bestselling Fighting Fantasy series as the gamebooks celebrate 35 years
London, September 2017
On Saturday 2nd September, Charlie Higson revealed that he is writing a new book in the bestselling Fighting Fantasy series for April 2018. Along with the co-creators of Fighting Fantasy, Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone, Charlie shared the news with excited fans of the books at Fighting Fantasy Fest at the University of West London.
In August, the 35th anniversary of the series’ first publication, Scholastic UK published Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone’s classic series of adventure gamebooks in an eye-catching and collectible new package (covers by Rob Ball and interior art by Vlado Krizan), along with a new gamebook by lan Livingstone, The Port of Peril, and a limited edition hardback illustrated by Iain McCaig.
Charlie Higson’s Fighting Fantasy adventure will be set in the iconic Fighting Fantasy world - while bringing his own brand of fiendish, pacy plotting and spine-chilling monsters into play. His book will publish in April 2018 alongside five more classic backlist titles from Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. These will be: Creature of Havoc, Deathtrap Dungeon, Appointment with F.E.A.R, Island of the Lizard King, and Sorcery!.
The deal for world rights was struck between Lauren Fortune, Editorial Director at Scholastic UK and Alexandra Cann Representation on behalf of Charlie Higson and Philippa Milnes-Smith at Lucas Alexander Whitley on behalf of Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. Fighting Fantasy is a trademark owned by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone and used with permission.
Successful author, actor, comedian and writer for television and radio, Charlie Higson wrote the phenomenally successful Young Bond series which has now sold over a million copies in the UK and has been translated into over 24 different languages. Charlie is also author of the bestselling zombie adventure series for teenagers, The Enemy. His television successes range from Saturday Live to The Fast Show. Charlie is also a successful adult novelist and has written four thrillers. He lives in North London.
Charlie Higson says: “I’ve always been a huge fan of fantasy and gaming so when I first came across the Fighting Fantasy books back in the day I just had to check them out. Even though I was probably a little older than the average reader I thought they were great fun. In fact I thought they were genius. So it’s a huge honour now to be asked to write an adventure of my own and help introduce these amazing books to a new generation of readers.”
Fighting Fantasy co-creators Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone said: “We are extremely proud of the world of Fighting Fantasy that we created 35 years ago, and which endures so well today. We’re very excited to see what the amazing imagination of bestselling author Charlie Higson will bring to the world. Charlie is a big fan of the series, and we know he will delight existing fans and his own readers with his first Fighting Fantasy book. We’re thrilled to have him on board!”
Before gaming gripped the imagination of children worldwide, Fighting Fantasy was the bestselling fantasy brand that made the reader the hero of every story. 20 million copies of Fighting Fantasy have sold worldwide in 25 languages and the series has a legion of high-profile fans.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for pre-K to grade 12, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs, classroom magazines and other products that, in combination, offer schools customized solutions to support children's learning both at school and at home. The Company also makes quality, affordable books available to all children through school-based book clubs and book fairs. With a 96 year history of service to schools and families, Scholastic continues to carry out its commitment to "Open a World of Possible" for all children. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prepare to be gripped by Fighting Fantasy as the bestselling series relaunches in its
35th anniversary year for a new generation
Before gaming gripped the imagination of children worldwide, Fighting Fantasy was the bestselling fantasy brand that made the reader the hero of every story. In its 35th anniversary year, Scholastic UK is proud to announce the acquisition of Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson’s classic series of adventure gamebooks which will be republished, repackaged and reignited for a new generation. Furthermore, Scholastic UK will publish a brand-new gamebook for 8+ readers by Ian Livingstone, The Port of Peril, into the series and future titles are planned.
Almost 20 million copies of Fighting Fantasy have sold worldwide in 32 languages and the series has a legion of high-profile fans, including Charlie Higson, who says: “Before there were video games, before kids could get lost in the labyrinth that is the Internet, before The Lord Of The Rings films, Game of Thrones and the reboot of Doctor Who turned everyone onto fantasy and sci-fi, there were the Fighting Fantasy books. A new way of telling stories and in many ways the birth of modern gaming, these books captured the imagination of a generation of kids – and locked them in the Deathtrap Dungeons. It’s great to think that a new generation of kids are going to be similarly captivated.”
World Rights for the original series and new book were acquired by Lauren Fortune, Editorial Director at Scholastic UK, from Philippa Milnes-Smith at Lucas Alexander Whitley Agency on behalf of Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson.
With appeal for fans of high-octane fantasy brands from Percy Jackson to Assassin’s Creed, Fighting Fantasy gamebooks also spark ever-more important skills of problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity. Scholastic UK’s launch campaign will be focussed on reaching new readers whilst also celebrating the 35th anniversary with the passionate existing fan base.
Ian Livingstone says: “Fighting Fantasy has survived the test of time, and I’m thrilled that Scholastic are reimagining our gamebook series for a new generation of fans. Starting with five classic titles, including The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, I hope readers will have enough SKILL and STAMINA to survive the challenges of The Port of Peril, my brand-new adventure.”
Steve Jackson says: “It was 35 years ago that the first Fighting Fantasy gamebook appeared in UK bookshops and readers became heroes as they explored the caverns of Firetop Mountain. And now, after all those years, it is particularly exciting for FF to be embarking on a new publishing partnership with Scholastic, the world’s largest children’s books publisher. May their Stamina never Fail!”
Lauren Fortune says: “A whole generation of children grew up reading the Fighting Fantasy series in the 1980s and 1990s, often reluctant readers for whom this was an important gateway into books. There is so much here to appeal to today’s young readers: the best monsters, the chance to create your own pathway through the story, the empowering, compelling set-up that in the Fighting Fantasy world, YOU are the hero. As a huge fan of these books from childhood, I couldn’t be prouder to be republishing them this year.”
In August 2017, Scholastic UK will publish The Port of Peril, the new gamebook by Ian Livingstone, along with five classic titles, including The Warlock of Firetop Mountain. A further tranche of titles will publish in spring 2018.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for pre-K to grade 12, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs, classroom magazines and other products that, in combination, offer schools customized solutions to support children's learning both at school and at home. The Company also makes quality, affordable books available to all children through school-based book clubs and book fairs. With a 96 year history of service to schools and families, Scholastic continues to carry out its commitment to "Open a World of Possible" for all children. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.