Deer Hunter Number One?

Here's one to make you scratch your head. According to PC Data, Deer Hunter, from GT Interactive's Value Product division, has sold 500,000 copies since the game was released last October. On top of that, PC Data says the US$19.95 game topped January's sales charts, beating out such games as Riven, Quake II, and Tomb Raider II.

The game itself involves, well, hunting deer; arm yourself with a rifle, shotgun, or bow, with locations in Arkansas, Colorado, and Indiana. Live video and animated sequences accompany the hunting experience.

"Deer Hunter's success is truly a phenomenon, and we have created a new market among consumers who typically do not play games," said Ron Chaimowitz, president and CEO of GT Interactive. "We believe Deer Hunter's ability to outperform front-line titles at a variety of retailers is a result of offering consumers a fresh new game genre, the game's attractive price point, and the advent of lower-priced PC hardware."

WizardWorks, the publishing label, also plans on producing an add-on for Deer Hunter called Deer Hunter Extended Season, Wild Turkey Hunt, Sporting Clays, Pro Bass Fishing, and Rocky Mountain Trophy Hunter.