If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy.

Merscom Hits the Slopes With "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing"

World Cup champion to land in stores prior to XX Olympic Winter Games

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 7, 2005 - CHAPEL HILL, NC - Merscom LLC today announced that "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing", the only game that thrusts you into the highly competitive sport of alpine skiing as Olympic medallist and FIS World Cup champion Bode Miller, will ship to retailers nationwide in January. A skiing sports game featuring 32 slopes spanning 18 world-famous venues, "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing" lets you train with your coach, buy ski gear and score lucrative sponsorship deals as you rise to the top of the industry. Merscom will release the PC version, which is expected to receive an "E" for Everyone ESRB rating, at $19.99 (USD).

Developed by 49Games, creator of the popular Ski Jumping and Alpine Skiing series, and licensed from RTL Enterprises, "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing" captures the essence of the sport by allowing players to take part in each of the four disciplines of alpine skiing: Downhill, Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G. Players will be able to compete in speed events on World Cup racecourses at Adelboden (Switzerland), Beaver Creek (USA), Garmisch (Germany), Lake Louise (Canada), Kitzbühel (Austria) and Yongpyong (Korea).

Key features of "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing" include:

Dynamic Gameplay

- Practice: Structure training exercises with the help of your coach between competitions.

- Gear Up: Outfit yourself with all the hottest ski equipment for maximum performance.

- Plan Ahead: Prepare for any random events that could affect your financials or physical performance.

- Build Wealth: Negotiate sponsorships with major brands and tweak your tour calendar.

- Racing + RPG: Enjoy an exciting blend of alpine ski racing and character development.

- Flexible Difficulty: Choose from three finely tuned difficulty levels.

- Multiplayer: Up to 12 can play via Hot Seat, LAN or Internet.

Superior Visuals

- Precise Interface: Clear and simple menu design makes it easy to get started.

- Network-style Footage: Multiple camera shots infused with vital statistics put you in the spectator's seat.

- Breathtaking Graphics: Gorgeous animations, 3D winter landscapes, and shifting weather cycles brilliantly depict World Cup competitions.

Gripping Audio

- Cheering Audiences: Stay motivated with the roar of the crowd at your back.

- Lifelike Commentators: Follow slope action with the voiceover duo's narrative.

"Bode Miller is arguably America's top winter athlete, the Lance Armstrong of skiing, and we are thrilled about being able to offer a top quality interactive game based on his skills," said Lloyd Melnick, director of Merscom.

RTL Enterprises Managing Director Holger Strecker said, "We enjoy very much working with the highly experienced teams of Merscom and Valcon Games to publish "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing" for all the fans of sports games in North America. As the developers of the game, we are very pleased to get a great chance to perform for a market that is so keen about sports games."

Said Lowell Taub, Bode's agent and president of GFHF Marketing & Management, "Bode is a gamer himself and is psyched about the release of "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing". I am sure he'll be playing it on his RV all season."

Valcon Games will release "Bode Miller Alpine Skiing" for the PlayStation® 2 computer entertainment system to retail stores across North America this winter.

About Merscom LLC

Merscom LLC is a publisher of PC and console games. Founded in 1999 by video game veterans with over a decade of experience working with the industry's leading developers and publishers, Merscom produces entertaining products for gamers of all ages and guarantees all customers a great experience with its "Fun Guarantee". For more information visit www.merscom.com.

About RTL Enterprises

RTL Enterprises GmbH, a Bertelsmann company, was created in January of 2000 in order to better serve the demands of RTL Television's partners and the market. The subsidiary based in Germany is an independent, full-service agency responsible for licensing, merchandizing and media cooperation. In addition to successfully merchandizing classical television programs such as the German version of "American Idol", RTL Enterprises, under the RTL Playtainment label, also successfully engages in recording and producing multimedia products: DVDs, PC and PlayStation® 2 games.

About Valcon Games

Valcon Games is a publishing company that produces original entertainment products by tapping creative and unique development talent from around the world through an extensive set of contacts generated over the last 15 years. Co-founded by Colin Gordon and Glenn Halseth, industry professionals with a wealth of expertise in video game production, marketing and sales, Valcon Games seeks to push the envelope by bringing new twists to familiar gameplay and redefining genres. Valcon Games further builds its on success with low overheads and a publishing model that maximizes the console lifecycle. For more information, visit www.valcongames.com.

About 49Games

Hamburg-based 49Games is a veteran developer of PC and console games. Successful titles include the long-running Ski Jumping series, the Alpine Skiing franchise and Torino 2006, the official Olympic videogame. For more information, visit www.49games.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Dana H. Cowley

dana@merscom.com

office +1 919 918 7741 x 225

Author
GamesIndustry International avatar

GamesIndustry International

Contributor

GamesIndustry International is the world's leading games industry website, incorporating GamesIndustry.biz and IndustryGamers.com.