Activision Inc. has extended its license with Marvel Enterprises to expand their long-term, broad-based strategic alliance through an additional license agreement for a non-persistent role-playing game (RPG).
Under the terms of the deal Activision is granted the exclusive rights to develop and publish cross property non-persistent role playing games (RPG) that utilize a broad, "ensemble cast" of characters from the Marvel Universe. The agreement, expected to further strengthen Activision's leadership position in the superhero genre, covers both the console and PC arenas. The first game under the new agreement is expected to be released in fiscal 2007.
"We are proud of the success we have had with games based on the Marvel licenses," states Ron Doornink, chairman, Activision Publishing Inc. "This agreement further strengthens and helps to solidify our position as the number one publisher of Super Hero games."
Ames Kirshen, vp of interactive at Marvel Enterprises said, "We have had tremendous success with Activision through the licensing of individual characters and groups such as Spider-Man, X-Men and Fantastic Four. Rather than focusing on just one character, this unique license enables Activision to develop role-playing games that tap a broader base of characters from Marvel's expansive universe. We look forward to an even more successful future with Activision."
With a library of more than 5,000 proprietary characters, Marvel Enterprises Inc. (www.marvel.com) is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel's operations are focused in four areas: entertainment (Marvel Studios), licensing, publishing and toys. Marvel facilitates the creation of entertainment projects, including feature films, DVD/home video, videogames and television based on its characters and also licenses its characters for use in a wide range of consumer products and services including apparel, toys, collectibles, snack foods and promotions. Marvel's characters and plot lines are created by its publishing division, which continues to expand its leadership position in the U.S. and worldwide while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. More information is located at www.activision.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
