Ubisoft Expands Support for Nintendo's Wii with Seven Titles Available at Launch
SAN FRANCISCO - August 3, 2006 - Today Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced that it is preparing seven titles for the upcoming launch of Nintendo's highly anticipated Wii. In addition to previously announced titles Rayman Raving Rabbids and Red Steel, both designed specifically for the Wii, Ubisoft will deliver Wii versions of driving game Monster 4X4 World Circuit, Sony Pictures Animation's Open Season, a game based on the popular Far Cry® franchise, Blazing Angels Squadrons of WW II, and GT Pro Series developed exclusively for the Wii by MTO. Ltd (please see today's GT Pro Series announcement for more details). With seven announced titles available at launch and with many more titles currently in development, Ubisoft expects to provide the richest third-party lineup for the Wii's introduction and beyond with an exciting combination of new intellectual properties and established franchises.
"We're thrilled that Ubisoft will be unveiling Wii versions of both exclusive new IP and established franchises," said Reggie Fils-Aime, president and chief operating officer for Nintendo of America. "Bursting with creativity, innovation and unadulterated fun, these Ubisoft games embody the qualities that will make Wii a huge hit with gamers new and established, young and old."
"Media and analysts agree that Ubisoft has the greatest potential for reward with the new console's launch because we believed in it from the beginning," said Laurent Detoc, president of Ubisoft North America. "With an impressive lineup of launch games that offer something for everyone, we are in a unique position to benefit from the Wii's success in appealing to both new and hardcore gamers."
Ubisoft's Wii Launch Titles:
Blazing Angels®: Squadrons of WW II: As a squadron leader and ace fighter pilot, leverage the Wii controller to experience intense dog fighting in the famous air battles of WW II. Air combat simulation, rating pending.
Far Cry®: As Jack Carver, use the Wii Remote to drive, shoot, slash, jump and climb your way through a rebel-infested tropical hell. First-person action shooter, rating pending.
GT Pro Series: Immerse yourself in the fast-paced action of this exclusive Wii car-racing game and take full advantage of the Wii Remote. Racing game, rating pending.
Open Season: Allows gamers to relive the humor and adventure of Sony Pictures Animation's highly anticipated, first feature-length CG animated film. Kids adventure, rating pending.
Monster 4X4 World Circuit: Use the Wii Remote to perform spectacular stunts, jump and race the most powerful Monster Trucks, and go head-to-head in pulse-pounding off-road competitions all over the world. Truck racing, rating pending.
Rayman Raving Rabbids: Experience the return of Rayman when his world is threatened by a devastating invasion of crazed, out-of-control bunnies. Whether it be crazy Kung-Fu action or competing in the cow toss, players will use the Wii Remote in the most imaginative and innovative ways possible to defeat these whacky rabbids. Action-adventure, rating pending.
Red Steel: This Wii exclusive title takes place in modern-day Japan and challenges players to master both the ancient art of the katana and the sophisticated technology of modern firearms. First-person action, rating pending.
About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 547 million Euros for the 2005-2006 fiscal year, an increase of 3 percent over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
About Wii:
Nintendo's new system, Wii, will feature a controller designed to be used with either one hand or two -- a first in the video game industry. When picked up and pointed at the screen, the controller gives a lightning-quick element of interaction, sensing motion, depth, positioning and targeting dictated by movement of the controller itself.