SCi unveils new release strategy

SCi Entertainment has announced plans to release two of its forthcoming titles on three platforms simultaneously - and not on a staggered basis as previously planned.

The titles in question are Kane & Lynch, from Hitman developer IO Interactive, and Pivotal Games's Crossfire. Both were due to be released on PC and Xbox 360 during SCi's 2007 financial year.

Now, however, they will go on sale alongside PS3 versions in the 2008 financial year. Kane & Lynch will be out in time for Christmas, while Crossfire is set to hit the shops early next year. According to an SCi statement, the previously unannounced PS3 games are "currently in advanced stages of development".

"The group's strategy is to release its new titles on next-generation consoles once there is a significant installed base... The board of SCi believes the installed base of PlayStation 3 will reach critical mass in the group's 2008 financial year," the statement continues.

"A release of these products simultaneously on all three platforms... Will benefit the long term revenue potential for these two strong franchises rather than releasing different versions at different times."

The statement goes on to note, "Kane & Lynch will be sold into a strong retail market at Christmas 2007 and Crossfire launched early in 2008 when the installed base of hardware will have benefited from Christmas purchases.

"This is a decision which the Board believes will enhance the overall strength and long term revenue potential of these important franchises."

As a result of the shift in release dates, SCi expects a reduction in EBITDA for the 12 months ending June 30 to GBP 6 million.

"However, the board believes that the short term impact of the revised release schedule will be more than compensated for by the upside of the addition of a PlayStation 3 version and a multi-platform simultaneous release at a time when next generation platforms are at critical mass," said the statement.

"Accordingly the Board will initially increase its internal profit target for the 2008 financial year by approximately GBP 10 million."

The statement concluded with SCi confirming that it is "in advanced negotiations" for the feature film rights to Kane and Lynch, which is said to be "further reinforcing and endorsing the value and long term potential of this franchise".