Empire announces new publishing agreement with Microsoft

Empire Interactive has signed a new deal with Microsoft Game Studios that will see seven new titles published under the Xplosiv value label and an extension of existing licenses.

The new titles include Age of Empires: Collectors Edition, Age of Mythology and Rise of Nations, all of which are due to be published later this year. The deal also covers expansion packs Age of Mythology: Titans, Dungeon Siege: Legends of Aranna and Rise of Nations: Thrones & Patriots, which will launch after their full-price predecessors.

"These are some of the biggest titles the Xplosiv range has signed to date and we believe they will considerably boost the portfolio," said Empire CEO Ian Higgins.

"Microsoft is one of our longest standing relationships and we are thrilled to continue working closely with them."

Microsoft has also welcomed the deal, with franchise development manager Alicia Hatch commenting: "We are very excited to be able to expose some of our most important brands to a wider audience."

Empire has also been granted a three year license extension for Age of Empires: Gold, Mech Warriors: Vengeance and Crimson Skies.