The wasteland is coming to life like never before. Peasoup, the pioneers of interactive augmented reality Smart Books, is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Sir Ian Livingstone to adapt the iconic Fighting Fantasy series into their proprietary format. The first title in this high-octane collaboration, Freeway Fighter, is slated for release in 2027.
The Smart Book system isn't just a traditional book or gamebook; it is a physical, full-colour printed experience augmented by cutting-edge technology. By utilising a dedicated augmented reality app, Peasoup brings books to life like never before. Readers will no longer just imagine the post-apocalyptic car chases of Freeway Fighter – they will see and interact with them digitally as they navigate the story.
Peasoup was founded by Søren Jønsson, a veteran writer and videogame designer who sought to bring excitement back to reading. To this point, four Smart Books with original adventures spanning fantasy lands, pirate escapades and daring escapades. Bringing the Smart Book technology to Sir Ian Livingstone’s classic gamebook series makes for a natural fit.
Sir Ian Livingstone has said “The Fighting Fantasy series was designed to place the reader at the heart of the story, letting them take control of where the story goes. Choice is exciting and empowering. Partnering with Peasoup for these new adaptations takes the experience to the next level, where choices and actions in an augmented reality setting further affect the outcomes of the story. This high-octane, AR adaptation of Freeway Fighter will take the adventure to new audiences.”
Attendees can trial the current Peasoup range at the Zatu Distribution stand (2-472) throughout UK Games Expo, where it will be available to buy at the Waterstones stand (2-402). Sir Ian Livingstone will also be appearing at stand 2-359, and several events that include a live reading of the Fighting Fantasy classic, City of Thieves, alongside John Robertson.
Freeway Fighter will be available in 2027, and the next Smart Book Fighting Fantasy adaptation will be announced soon.
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About Peasoup
Founded in 2019, Peasoup is a Danish publishing and tech company dedicated to evolving the reading experience. Through their "Smart Book" concept, they blend physical literacy with digital interactivity to encourage a love of reading in a gaming-centric world.
About Fighting Fantasy
Created by Steve Jackson and Sir Ian Livingstone with the publication of The Warlock of Firetop Mountain in 1982, Fighting Fantasy is the world-famous series of interactive gamebooks which has sold over 21 million copies worldwide.
About Sir Ian Livingstone
Ian Livingstone is a founding father of the UK games industry. He co-founded Games Workshop in 1975 with Steve Jackson, launching Dungeons & Dragons in Europe, Warhammer, Citadel Miniatures and the Games Workshop retail chain. In 1982 he co-authored The Warlock of Firetop Mountain, the first Fighting Fantasy gamebook in the series which has sold 21 million copies worldwide in 30 languages. He has written 20 books in the series including Deathtrap Dungeon and Freeway Fighter. He moved into video games in 1995, becoming Executive Chairman of Eidos plc, launching blockbuster titles including Lara Croft: Tomb Raider.
About Zatu Distribution
Zatu Distribution is a UK tabletop games distributor focused on helping publishers succeed in the UK market. Working closely with publishers and designers from around the world, Zatu Distribution combines careful curation with deep UK retail insight to ensure the right games reach the right audiences.
