AP NewsBreak: Ubisoft assembling Avengers for game

Traditionally, games based on Marvel movies have been released around the same time as their super-powered counterparts to benefit from parallel buzz. The open-world action-adventure title "The Amazing Spider-Man" from Activision Inc. is set for release June 26, ahead of director Marc Webb's film of the same name on July 3.

The big-screen adaptation of "The Avengers" starring Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as the Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye has smashed box office records, earning $207.4 million domestically in its opening weekend.

"For us, that obviously raises the brand itself to an even higher level, and that's good for our video game because we have an opportunity to reach a broader audience than just the guys who love comic book characters," said Key, who added that "Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth" would be family friendly despite the game's focus on fighting.

Marvel's superheroes have been a dominant presence throughout the history of games. They most recently assembled for the Capcom brawler "Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3" and the Activision Inc. role-playing sequel "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2." Gazillion Entertainment is currently developing a free-to-play online game featuring them called "Marvel Heroes."

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Online:

http://www.avengersbattleforearth.com

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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/derrikjlang.