Rumour: Sony’s Afrika Rebranded for Western Release

Sony’s PlayStation 3 Safari game Afrika launched in Japan this year, but there was no sign of a US or European release. However, a new listing from the National Geographic reignites our hopes.

The game had already been rebranded in Asia, after being christened with the amusing Lion King inspired name Hakuna Matata. Despite the optimism of that title, many were worried whether the game would ever make it to Western audiences, especially after Sony Europe had stated that they would not be publishing the title.

Nonetheless, the National Geographic announced today that they were launching a new games division that would partner with other developers and publishers; including Namco Bandai and more importantly, Sony Computer Entertainment.

The National Geographic games division seeks to "extend [their] mission of inspiring people to care about the planet and reach a new generation of consumers and families." To do this, they need games to compliment their core values; in comes Sony's Afrika.

Upon looking down their list of titles, a game named "National Geographic: Afrika" makes the cut, and since Sony is logged as the developer, there's no doubt that this is the very same safari game that was released in Japan. And there's more good news: the game is to be released this November, presumably as a download on the PlayStation Store. Get your cameras primed and ready.

[UPDATE] - Sony has confirmed that this is indeed the Afrika, but that's as far as they are willing to detail the news.

---

National Geographic Games Release Schedule

November 2008
National Geographic - “Herod’s Lost Tomb”
Namco Bandai - “National Geographic: Panda”
Sony - “National Geographic: Africa”

December 2008
National Geographic - “Sudoku Traveler: China”

2009
National Geographic - “Rain Forests”
National Geographic - “Greencity”
National Geographic - “From the Bottom Up”