LONDON, UK (October 28, 2021) – Rick Astley and video game developer Eidos-Montréal, a Square Enix studio, have released a video showing the ‘80s icon donning his quintessential quiff and tricking gamers into inadvertently becoming a victim of the classic meme. The video, created for the launch of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, puts Rick in the role of a mysterious hacker who develops a mischievous ruse to Rickroll players within the game.
Watch The Galaxy's Greatest Rickroll here
Of his involvement, Rick Astley said: “For years I’ve been biding my time, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to take back ownership of the Rickroll. When I found out Never Gonna Give You Up was in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, it was clear this was the opportunity I had been waiting for!”
He continued: “In all seriousness though, I’m genuinely excited to be part of the game’s soundtrack, to feature alongside so many wonderful songs that defined a decade and have personally influenced my youth and musical career. With the game’s music focused on the ‘80s, I expect many gamers, particularly the younger ones, will be hearing some of the featured tracks for the first time. I hope these songs bring players the same joy and inspiration they gave me, and spur them on while they’re saving the Galaxy!”
Music is intrinsic to Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and Never Gonna Give You Up features alongside 30 other classic ’80s pop and rock tracks in the game’s licensed soundtrack, such as Mötley Crüe, Bonnie Tyler, Billy Idol, Pat Benetar, Def Leppard, and BLONDIE.
Listen to the Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Original Video Game Playlist here
View the full licensed tracklist here
An innovative gameplay mechanic called the Huddle gives players the opportunity to motivate the Guardians during combat by giving them a pep talk that takes inspiration from famous song lyrics. It is this sequence, that Rick takes advantage of, to lead gamers down a path that ultimately leads to one outcome, the Rickroll, with players left confused and confronted with a dancing Rick and his seminal ‘80s hit, Never Gonna Give You Up.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is available now on PlayStation®5 console, PlayStation®4 console, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC, and streaming via GeForce NOW. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy: Cloud Version for Nintendo Switch is also available in select regions.
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About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media. For more information visit https://www.marvel.com
© 2021 MARVEL
About Eidos-Montréal
Established in 2007, Eidos-Montréal™ is a premiere developer of interactive entertainment based on new intellectual properties and beloved franchises including the acclaimed Tomb Raider® and Deus Ex® series. Renowned as master storytellers, the studio builds immersive worlds and adventures that create lasting memories for players across the globe. Eidos-Montréal crafts its multiple interactive projects with close-knit teams in a hybrid work environment, keeping their focus on creativity and technological innovation.
Eidos-Montréal and its network of studios, Eidos-Sherbrooke™ and Eidos-Shanghai™, are part of the Square Enix® group of companies. More information on Eidos-Montréal can be found at https://eidosmontreal.com.
About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal®. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 164 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 83 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://www.square-enix-games.com
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© 2021 MARVEL. Developed by Eidos Montréal.
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