PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 18, 2015—

Think of it as a 21st century Chronicles of Narnia. American Bible Society is partnering with Scarlet City Studios to create a web-based gaming platform that delivers Bible content to teen and pre-teen gamers within a digital allegorical world where gamers can explore the grand themes and stories of Scripture. For nearly 200 years, American Bible Society has paved the way for new methods of Scripture delivery. From the pony express and the first braille Bible to the digital resources of the 21st century, changes in culture have not slowed the innovation of Bible access. In this same tradition, The Aetherlight: Chronicles of the Resistance is the first of its kind and aims to help young people see their story in the context of God’s story via a world grounded in the Biblical narrative.

“American Bible Society has always sought innovative opportunities to reach people with God’s Word,” said Arthur Satterwhite, American Bible Society’s senior manager of youth and millennial engagement. “We are thrilled to partner with Scarlet City Studios to create a top-notch gaming environment that will provide not only an entertaining experience but also content that reveals the redemptive story found within the pages of Scripture.”

According to the Entertainment Software Association, 59 percent of Americans play video games, more than 50 percent of U.S. households have at least two dedicated gaming consoles—including PCs, smartphones and other gaming apparatuses—and from 2010 to 2014, the gaming industry saw an increase in sales of more than 200 percent—$10.5 billion in 2010 vs. $21.53 billion in 2014.

“The Aetherlight: Chronicles of the Resistance will offer a world of creativity where young people can connect with Scripture and its real-life application,” said Tim Cleary, Scarlet City Studios’ world builder. “We are designing a high-quality, state-of-the-art game that will immerse gamers in the world of Aethesia where the mission of God in Scripture can be experienced and applied to real life in the 21st century. This is the new frontier of Bible engagement and we are excited to be on the forefront of its development.”

The Aetherlight: Chronicles of the Resistance will be available in March 2016.

About American Bible Society:

Since 1816, American Bible Society has worked to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation’s first and most enduring ministries, today’s American Bible Society provides resources across a variety of platforms enabling first-time readers and seasoned theologians alike to engage with the best-selling book of all time. For more information, visit American.Bible.

About Scarlet City Studios:

Scarlet City Studios was established in 2012 with the sole intention of bridging the cultural, historical and pedagogical gap between the contemporary world of pre-teens and the world of the Bible by advancing biblical engagement through interactive media, learning frameworks and creative transmedia products. Scarlet City’s unique framework is based on the principles of faith, hope and love…telling great stories, nurturing genuine innovation and fostering real encounters.

Read the full press release here.