'Zoo Tycoon' links in with real-world conservation

"Zoo Tycoon" allows players to run their own wildlife reserve, on their own or with friends, and find out more about what animals (and zoo guests) like the best.

Creating-the-perfect-environment-is-all-part-of-Zoo-Tycoon-Photo-AFP

'Zoo Tycoon' allows players to run their own wildlife reserve, on their own or with friends, and find out more about what animals (and zoo guests) like the best.

Announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June, and therefore part of Microsoft's grandstand Xbox One push, 'Zoo Tycoon' is the next game from Frontier Developments, which created animal cuddling game 'Kinectimals' and the theme park themed 'Kinect: Disneyland Adventures.'

Up to four players can get stuck in to keeping a shared zoo ticking over, and there'll be special challenges that tie in to real-world conservation, breeding, and rehabilitation efforts.

Lions, butterflies, monkeys, rhinos, lemurs and mother and baby elephants are among the first animals confirmed for inclusion through the game's trailer and images.

Because it's an Xbox One game, it will be able to make use of the new Kinect sensor's voice and motion recognition.

'There is something special, almost magical when you have animals that recognize you, your voice, and that react to your movements and instructions' says Jorg Neumann of Microsoft Studios in an interview published on the Xbox site.

Just like in 'Animal Crossing: New Leaf,' players will also be able to find out more about each animal through their explanatory plaques.

It's due to form part of the Xbox One launch line-up later this year, with a holiday 2013 debut booked in and more details to follow.