LONDON: ‘Romeo wherefore art thou,’ a new online game based on William Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ is the new hit on the Internet.

It has already attracted 22 million players worldwide.

The game, initially commissioned by Shakespeare Country tourist site, allows players to take on the role of Romeo, as he collects flowers for Juliet.

Moreover, a virtual Shakespeare even appears in the game himself, telling Romeo to move on to the next level.

"I wanted to do a viral campaign but only estimated about 2.5 million would play it,” the Telegraph quoted Phil Hackett, Chief Executive of Shakespeare Country, as saying.

He added: "I think the programmers have done a great job. Although they are characters they are instantly recognisable and the environment has all the major landmarks - you get to pass the theatre, his birthplace and Anne Hathaway''s cottage. It really goes bring Shakespeare back to life.

"Since its launch last May it''s generated more than a quarter of a million unique visitors to our website every month and a percentage of people are now thinking the Shakespeare Country is an enjoyable and fun place to come and visit."

Stu Howarth, director of kokodigital who created the game, said: "It''s the most popular game we have ever made.

"We used Romeo as he is probably the most widely known Shakespeare character and the game is loosely set on Mario, which is accessible for everyone.

"We weren''t trying to reinvent the wheel - just make a fun attractive platform game that is the most accessible to the widest audience."

It is believed a third of the amount of the UK''s population have played the game, as Valentines Day draw closer.
(ANI)