History Channel Launches Pawn Stars Social Game

The History Channel has launched a social game based on its hit series Pawn Stars. The game is developed by Gamenauts and supported by Antmesh Games. The game is a tycoon-style management sim that challenges players to open and run their own pawn shop. History Channel launched the game in beta on January 27, where it drew 750,000 monthly active users and 150,000 daily active users. History Channel says that the Pawn Stars social game became one of the 20 fastest-growing apps on Facebook, purely through viral growth.

“Pawn Stars is History’s number one series and has amassed a very passionate fan base,” said Kris Soumas, Head of Gaming for History Channel parent company AETN Digital Media, in a press statement. “As we develop digital brand extensions for the series, it is important to create something authentic and fun. By combining the nuts and bolts of running a pawn shop with the stars of the show, this Facebook game is the perfect fit, providing fans an ‘experience’ similar to what they see on TV and giving gamers a compelling new take on the popular tycoon genre.”

In the game, players must acquire inventory for their store by haggling with customers who bring in items. Some items need to be restored while other items will require expert consultations to determine their value. History Channel plans to support the game with content updates, like a planned update in April that will let users upgrade their stores. Personalities who appear in the Pawn Stars show like Rick, the Old Man, Corey, and Chumlee also appear in the game. These characters can assist the player and provide commentary.

Likewise, players can get the chance to purchase or pass on items that have appeared in episodes of the television show. As players gain experience in the game, they become better at haggling and can more easily distinguish real pieces from fakes. Players can customize their stores and trade items with other players. It is the first game produced by AETN Digital Media that will feature Facebook Credits as its cash-based virtual currency. Players can use Facebook Credits in Pawn Stars to purchase features like instant selling, expert advice, and store upgrades.

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