CiRCLE Announces Exclusive North American Distribution Deal With SBG/b EQUAL

News by GamesIndustry International Contributor

Published on Feb. 15, 2006

February 15th 2006: CiRCLE announces a deal with US game company SBG/b EQUAL for the distribution of its entire range of DVD games in North America.

Derby (England) developer / publisher CiRCLE has some 10 DVD games scheduled for release throughout the year, all of which are linked to highly recognisable, mass-market brands including the Discovery Channel, Discovery Kids, the National Basketball Association (NBA), Eurosport, FIFA and FIFA World Cup.

SBG / b EQUAL has quickly established itself as a leader in North America with both a comprehensive distribution network and strong catalogue of over 50 board and DVD

Games (www.bequal.com)

CiRCLE's strategy is focused on publishing highly interactive DVD titles with value-added gameplay features and competitive playing arenas that keep score and allow the entire game to be played out on-screen. The company's first entry into the DVD games market, 'Now That's What I Call a Music Quiz', reached the number one position in the UK retail charts shortly after its release on Dec 5th 2005 and has now sold in excess of 500,000 units.

Commenting on the partnership, CiRCLE C.E.O. Jeremy Heath-Smith says: "We are delighted to announce this co-venture and have no doubt that SBG / b EQUAL's experience and focus in this exciting product sector will maximise our sales potential in North America. We have a frenetic release schedule planned for the coming months with titles such as NBA and Stormbreaker scheduled to perform specifically well in the US marketplace. We certainly look forward to working with them."

Mark Sutcliffe, CEO of SBG / b EQUAL adds: "We are delighted to expand our publishing and distribution arm with the addition of CiRCLE. Their line-up will make a great addition to our existing game slate and we are confident that their long history in game development and similar focus on interactive games will result in a highly successful collaboration between both companies."

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Contacts:

CiRCLE

Susie Hamilton - PR & Marketing Manager

susie@circle-studio.com

Tel 01332 545040

York House, Stephenson's Way, The Wyvern Business Park, Derby DE21 6LY

Tel + 44 (0) 1332 545040 Fax + 44 (0) 1332 545041

www.circle-plc.com

Bender/Helper Impact PR Agency

Jonalyn Morris - SBG/b EQUAL Account Manager

310-473-4147