To those unfamiliar with the works of the late English author Douglas Adams, the press release sent out by Hothead Games earlier today probably made no sense. To all those who know the importance of the number 42 and live life by the motto ‘Don’t Panic,’ the press release was fantastic news.

Hothead Games announced today that they are developing a game based on the book series The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The announcement doesn't offer much information aside from the existence of the project and the game’s official website; there’s no mention of what type of game it will be, what platforms it will be available on, or even a release date.

The official website only gives a brief description of a “new edition of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the galaxy,” which they’ve updated “to provide compatibility with such quaint locations as earth.” Hothead games’ Joel DeYoung said,

“We’re super excited to be involved with such a legendary creation as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. The quirky and hilarious universe that Douglas Adams created became an instant classic for so many. All the hoopiest froods here at Hothead jumped on the chance to work on the project.”

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series follows the travels of a common human named Arthur Dent as he travels around the galaxy after Earth is destroyed to make way for a new hyperspace bypass. The quirky sense of humor and tongue in cheek story lines are the series' trademarks.

The press release itself shows the type of humor and inexplicable absurdity that the five book trilogy (yes, you read that right) is known for. It’s filled with references and inside jokes that only fans of the series will get, which is good, since fans of the series have been waiting a long time for a new Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Game. The only previous game based on the series was a text based adventure released in 1984 released by Infocom.

Hothead Games is the developer behind the Penny Arcade: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness games as well as the highly rated DeathSpank games. Hothead Games did a great job in presenting an off-beat comedy gaming experience in those previous efforts, so fans of the series can rest assured that it’s in good hands.

Are there any Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy fans out there who are excited for a new game? Have any of you played the original text based adventure? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter.

You can check out the game’s official website at www.thenewhitchhikersguide.com and you can read the press release in its entirety at Hothead Games’ website.

Source: Hothead Games