Fanboys and girls are already clamoring for Defiance, Syfy's upcoming postapocalyptic alien drama, which is so big it can't be contained on a TV screen. The series, debuting in April, is breaking new ground by simultaneously launching a multiplayer gaming component available on PCs, Xbox and PlayStation 3.

Here's what gamers and viewers need to know: In the mining town of Defiance, Missouri, humans and aliens struggle together to rebuild society. It appears to be "an alien paradise," says exec producer Kevin Murphy. (The game takes place in a re-built San Francisco.) "But somebody is working hard to destroy it."

Among the characters are idealistic mayor Amanda Rosewater (Julie Benz); alien crime boss Datak Tarr (Tony Curran); and Rafe McCawley (Graham Greene), the biggest mine owner. New to town are Nolan (Grant Bowler), a former marine-turned- scavenger, and Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas) his wild alien ward. Says Murphy, "Defiance is a melting-pot immigrant drama about reinventing yourself." Game on!