Universal Interactive's Tolkien Franchise To Take Shape Of Next Generation, Handheld, PC And Massively Multiplayer Online Games
Announcement posted by Vivendi Universal Interactive Publishing 03 Jan 2002
-The Lord of the Rings series translated to games for Xbox(tm) video game system and Game Boy Advance in 2002 -
Universal Interactive, Inc. announced today that its games based on the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien will be developed for multiple platforms including next generation and handheld systems, the PC, and the highly anticipated massively multiplayer online gaming. In addition, Universal Interactive announced the details of its 2002 line-up of Tolkien games: The Fellowship of the Ring for the Xbox(tm) video game system from Microsoft and The Lord of the Rings, Part 1 for Game Boy Advance.
"Universal Interactive plans to release titles for all major gaming platforms in order to bring Tolkien's great literary works to life for as many gamers as possible," said Jim Wilson, president of Universal Interactive. "The unique capabilities of each platform will showcase a particular aspect of Middle-Earth to its best advantage. Massively multiplayer online games, for instance, will allow for the fullest, most interactive re-creation of Tolkien's universe of original characters.
The Fellowship of the Ring, in development by Seattle-based WXP, Inc., is scheduled for release in fourth quarter 2002 for Xbox. A third person action/adventure title, The Fellowship of the Ring allows gamers to play as three members of the fellowship, Frodo, Aragorn and Gandalf, on a journey from the Shire to the depths of Moria and all the way to the River Anduin. In a storyline faithful to Tolkien's epic masterpiece, players will explore the massive environments of Middle-Earth while solving puzzles and fighting various enemies such as Orcs, Black Riders and an evil Balrog in this first instalment of the quest to destroy the fabled One Ring of Power.
The Lord of the Rings, Part 1 is being developed for the Game Boy Advance and is scheduled for a fourth quarter 2002 release. A role-playing game, The Lord of the Rings, Part I, is based on characters and situations from the first two books of the classic Tolkien epic. It allows players complete control over the entire Fellowship on their adventure from the beginning of "The Fellowship of the Ring" to partway through "The Two Towers." Specifically designed to take full advantage of the GBA's technical capabilities, The Lord of the Rings, Part I will feature an isometric graphics engine combined with an intuitive character interaction and combat control system to highlight this immersive, RPG-style game.
For more information about Universal Interactive's games based on J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," regarded as the greatest literary epic of the 20th century, visit www.lotrgames.com. As part of Vivendi Universal Publishing's long-term deal with Tolkien Enterprises, the company acquired the exclusive rights to develop interactive entertainment based on selected Tolkien literary works. Universal Interactive and Sierra Entertainment are responsible for developing products for the license.
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About Universal Interactive, Inc.
Universal Interactive, Inc. develops and publishes innovative interactive entertainment for next generation game consoles and PC platforms based on original content and Universal Studios character, movie, and television franchises.
About Vivendi Universal Publishing
Vivendi Universal Publishing is one of the five core businesses of Vivendi Universal, the world's second-largest communications group. It brings together publishing activities spanning all media sectors in five main markets - games, education, literature, health and information - and holds strong positions in each. The group is n1 worldwide in leisure, educational and productivity CD-ROMs.
In 2000, Vivendi Universal Publishing reported revenues of 3.5 bn Euros (AUD 5.8bn), including 44% outside France.
With 22,000 employees and 300 brands in 40 countries, it aims to become the unchallenged leader in its chosen sectors. Vivendi Universal Interactive Publishing Australia, a division of Vivendi Universal, is headquartered out of Sydney.
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"Universal Interactive plans to release titles for all major gaming platforms in order to bring Tolkien's great literary works to life for as many gamers as possible," said Jim Wilson, president of Universal Interactive. "The unique capabilities of each platform will showcase a particular aspect of Middle-Earth to its best advantage. Massively multiplayer online games, for instance, will allow for the fullest, most interactive re-creation of Tolkien's universe of original characters.
The Fellowship of the Ring, in development by Seattle-based WXP, Inc., is scheduled for release in fourth quarter 2002 for Xbox. A third person action/adventure title, The Fellowship of the Ring allows gamers to play as three members of the fellowship, Frodo, Aragorn and Gandalf, on a journey from the Shire to the depths of Moria and all the way to the River Anduin. In a storyline faithful to Tolkien's epic masterpiece, players will explore the massive environments of Middle-Earth while solving puzzles and fighting various enemies such as Orcs, Black Riders and an evil Balrog in this first instalment of the quest to destroy the fabled One Ring of Power.
The Lord of the Rings, Part 1 is being developed for the Game Boy Advance and is scheduled for a fourth quarter 2002 release. A role-playing game, The Lord of the Rings, Part I, is based on characters and situations from the first two books of the classic Tolkien epic. It allows players complete control over the entire Fellowship on their adventure from the beginning of "The Fellowship of the Ring" to partway through "The Two Towers." Specifically designed to take full advantage of the GBA's technical capabilities, The Lord of the Rings, Part I will feature an isometric graphics engine combined with an intuitive character interaction and combat control system to highlight this immersive, RPG-style game.
For more information about Universal Interactive's games based on J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," regarded as the greatest literary epic of the 20th century, visit www.lotrgames.com. As part of Vivendi Universal Publishing's long-term deal with Tolkien Enterprises, the company acquired the exclusive rights to develop interactive entertainment based on selected Tolkien literary works. Universal Interactive and Sierra Entertainment are responsible for developing products for the license.
-ends-
About Universal Interactive, Inc.
Universal Interactive, Inc. develops and publishes innovative interactive entertainment for next generation game consoles and PC platforms based on original content and Universal Studios character, movie, and television franchises.
About Vivendi Universal Publishing
Vivendi Universal Publishing is one of the five core businesses of Vivendi Universal, the world's second-largest communications group. It brings together publishing activities spanning all media sectors in five main markets - games, education, literature, health and information - and holds strong positions in each. The group is n1 worldwide in leisure, educational and productivity CD-ROMs.
In 2000, Vivendi Universal Publishing reported revenues of 3.5 bn Euros (AUD 5.8bn), including 44% outside France.
With 22,000 employees and 300 brands in 40 countries, it aims to become the unchallenged leader in its chosen sectors. Vivendi Universal Interactive Publishing Australia, a division of Vivendi Universal, is headquartered out of Sydney.
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