With its element of surprise, cast of experts and regular folks, and revelatory nuggets of information, the PBS branded series "Antiques Roadshow" has helped popularize antiques and art over the past 14 years.

Now an "Antiques Roadshow" game, possibly played on Wii, DS, or browser based, is reportedly under development. Namco registered the domain www.antiquesroadshowthegame.com almost a year ago, wrote the Hot Blooded Gaming blog on Friday.

MTV reported another developer, Tim Schafer of Double Fine, is also working on an "Antiques Roadshow" game.

How will the Emmy® Award-nominated television show, watched weekly by 10 million viewers, translate into an antique appraisal sim? Perhaps it will offer an element of competition.

The appeal for television audiences has been the moment of truth when an appraiser reveals to the participant an analysis and value range for the artwork or object, often eliciting a surprised reaction from participants.

PBS offers an online "Appraise It Yourself: The Roadshow Video Game."