October 31, 2000
Four Titles in Globally Lauded Action/Adventure Game Series to be Developed
Exclusively for Xbox Video Game Console
REDMOND, Wash. - Oct. 23, 2000 - Microsoft Corp.
today announced that it has signed a deal with leading interactive entertainment publisher
Infogrames Inc. to obtain the exclusive worldwide publishing and distribution rights to
the best-selling "Oddworld" game series, created by Oddworld Inhabitants.
Beginning with the much-anticipated game "Munch's Oddysee," Microsoft will
exclusively publish the next four installments in the "Oddworld Quintology" for
its Xbox video game console. Scheduled to launch in fall 2001, "Munch's Oddysee"
will be available only on Xbox.
"The opportunity to bring the full force of
our publishing and marketing resources to bear on such a popular game series as 'Oddworld'
is a major coup," said Ed Fries, vice president of games publishing at Microsoft.
"This maps perfectly to our longstanding strategy of working with the world's best
game designers to create experiences that will excite the imaginations of gamers
everywhere."
Since its debut, the "Oddworld" game
series has become one of the most globally popular game franchises of all time, with more
than 4 million copies worldwide, garnering more than 100 industry awards and gracing the
cover of more than 35 magazines. The two previously released chapters, "Abe's
Oddysee" and "Abe's Exoddus," have been heralded as revolutionary for their
mix of brilliant graphical artistry, unique personality and compelling gameplay. The
upcoming "Munch's Oddysee" continues the inventive spirit.
According to Lorne Lanning, president and
co-founder of Oddworld Inhabitants, the choice of the Xbox platform was an easy one.
"Our goal with 'Munch's Oddysee' and future installments in the 'Quintology' has
always been to create an immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of reality. Only
Xbox gives us the graphical muscle and intense digital sound to unleash our creative
juices and allow us to bring the imaginary world and rich characters of Oddworld to
life."
The popular "Oddworld" series was
originally published by Infogrames. According to Yves Blehaut, senior vice president of
Infogrames Inc., allowing Microsoft to exclusively publish the next titles in the
"Oddworld" series will further strengthen its worldwide popularity. "The
'Oddworld' franchise lends itself to cutting-edge technology such as that provided by the
Xbox system. We feel Microsoft's marketing plans for the Xbox launch coupled with its
first-party publishing support will provide tremendous value for 'Munch's Oddysee',"
Blehaut said.
Oddworld Inhabitants joins an impressive list of
development studios - including Lionhead Satellites and Stormfront Studios - that will
create exclusive Xbox content under the Microsoft label. "Teaming up with Microsoft
also gives the opportunity to combine the talents of two great companies," Lanning
said. "We were impressed with Microsoft's marketing and distribution muscle, but what
really won us over was its commitment to and vision for producing the best games."
Today's announcement is the latest in a series
of momentum-building events solidifying industry support for Xbox. More than 150 of the
world's best game companies recently pledged their support for the platform because its
future-generation technology will allow them to realize their creative visions for games.
Press Release |
