USA Network’s “Psych” Launches Ambitious Social Media Game for New Season

Psych is one of my favorite shows on television. The USA Network mainstay is known for its unique brand of offbeat humor and tremendous chemistry among the show’s cast, and now has ambitious plans of incorporating social media and viral websites into the its upcoming 6th season. Announced this past week, fans have been asked to help psychic detective Shawn Spencer and his partner Burton “Gus” Guster track down the #HashTagKiller. Hit the jump to hear more about the game and how you can get involved.

TV Line has the exclusive first details of the new game. Apparently, the show’s head writers and producers were actively involved in developing the story, which will play out online over the next seven weeks and into the show’s new season. Users can expect the opportunity to interact with Shawn and Gus and view crime scene photos to help catch the mysterious killer. Here are some more details from TV Line’s release:

““Psych-Os” can send and receive messages with Shawn and Gus, and earn points to ascend a Leader Board by unlocking bonus games and solving weekly puzzles and challenges. Fans can join in at any time, and even continue on in the event they become (gulp again) HTK’s latest victim.

This gaming experience further illustrates USA’s commitment to pushing forward and defining the concept of SocialTV,” says Jesse Redniss, USA Network’s vice president, Digital. “It allows our fans unprecedented interaction and engagement with cast, characters, show creators and other loyal fans extending beyond the on-air boundaries of the original series.”

In conjunction with the announcement of the new game was the launch of a viral site called Hashtagkiller.com. There, you can sign up to join, as well as view the first video of Shawn and Gus as they discover that something might not be normal about their Twitter activity. After you watch the video, be sure to head over and follow @psychagency and @hashtagkiller, as it appears the mystery is real. Very cool.

We will be sure to post any major updates from this exciting new game, as it appears to be far more interactive than simply posting webisodes. The new season of Psych begins October 12th on USA Network.