Sierra Entertainment - Corporate News

VIVENDI AND ACTIVISION TO CREATE ACTIVISION BLIZZARD – WORLD’S LARGEST, MOST PROFITABLE PURE-PLAY VIDEO GAME PUBLISHER

Dec, 02 2007 10:55:40 PST

Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) and Vivendi (Euronext Paris: VIV) today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement to combine Vivendi Games, Vivendi's interactive entertainment business -- which includes Blizzard Entertainment's® World of Warcraft®, the world's #1 multi-player online role-playing game franchise -- with Activision, creating the world's largest pure-play online and console game publisher. The new company, Activision Blizzard, is expected to have approximately $3.8 billion in pro forma combined calendar 2007 revenues and the highest operating margins of any major third-party video game publisher. On closing of the transaction, Activision will be renamed Activision Blizzard and will continue to operate as a public company traded on NASDAQ under the ticker ATVI.

Activision, one of the world's leading independent publishers of interactive entertainment, is best known for its topselling franchises, including Guitar Hero®, Call of Duty® and the Tony Hawk series, as well as Spider-Man™, XMen™, Shrek®, James Bond™ and TRANSFORMERS™. Blizzard Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, has projected calendar 2007 revenues of $1.1 billion, operating margins of over 40% and approximately $520 million of operating profit. Blizzard owns the #1 multi-player online role-playing game franchise, World of Warcraft, which currently has over 9.3 million subscribers worldwide. Blizzard's World of Warcraft, Warcraft®, StarCraft® and Diablo® games account for four of the top-five best-selling PC game titles of all time. Vivendi Games also owns popular franchises, including Crash Bandicoot™ and Spyro™. Pro forma for calendar 2007, Activision Blizzard expects to generate approximately 70% of its revenues from owned franchises. As a result of the business combination, Activision Blizzard expects to have the most diversified and broadest portfolio of interactive entertainment assets in its industry, positioning the combined company to capitalize on the continued worldwide growth in interactive entertainment.

Jean-Bernard Lévy, Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of Vivendi stated: "This alliance is a major strategic step for Vivendi and is another illustration of our drive to extend our presence in the entertainment sector. By combining Vivendi's games business with Activision, we are creating a worldwide leader in a high-growth industry. We are excited about the opportunities for Activision Blizzard as a broader entertainment software platform. We believe this transaction will create significant value for Activision Blizzard and Vivendi stockholders. In Activision, we have found a partner with a highly complementary business and strong operating team. Bobby Kotick and Brian Kelly are industry pioneers, well known for creating shareholder value. The combined strength of the existing management teams at both companies will set the stage for further profitable growth of Activision Blizzard. We look forward to being an active and supportive majority stockholder in a company that is poised to lead the worldwide interactive entertainment industry in the years ahead."

René Penisson, Member of the Management Board of Vivendi and current Chairman of Vivendi Games, added: "We are very confident that by combining forces, Activision Blizzard will set the highest standards in quality, reputation and profitability, and will bring together the best creative teams in the industry. The combination of this unique product portfolio with highly professional employees gives us great confidence in the growth prospects for Activision Blizzard."

Said Robert Kotick, Activision's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer: "This is an outstanding transaction for Activision and our stockholders, as well as a pivotal event in the continuing transformation of the interactive entertainment industry. By combining leaders in mass-market entertainment and subscription-based online games, Activision Blizzard will be the only publisher with leading market positions across all categories of the rapidly growing interactive entertainment software industry and reach the broadest possible audiences. By joining forces with Vivendi Games, we will become the immediate leader in the highly profitable online games business and gain a large footprint in the rapidly growing Asian markets, including China and Korea, while maintaining our leading operating performance across North America and Europe. Activision stockholders will benefit from significantly increased earnings power and the recurring nature and predictability of subscription-based revenues, while also having the opportunity, if they choose, to receive $27.50 per share for a portion of their shares in the post-closing tender offer."

Kotick continued: "Vivendi Games provides Activision with unique strategic and financial benefits and will allow us to leverage our franchises into emerging online opportunities as Blizzard has done so successfully. Activision has been very focused on margin expansion, and this transaction will meaningfully increase our overall operating margins as we expand our franchises online and in new geographies. Diversifying our revenue base among subscription-based online, console and PC formats, as well as wireless and casual emerging opportunities, gives us the broadest platform to capitalize on industry growth. With Blizzard's successful franchises, such as World of Warcraft, StarCraft and an exciting pipeline of yet-to-be announced titles, Vivendi Games’ and Blizzard's management team will join with Activision's strong and experienced leaders to become an even more powerful force for innovation in online and offline interactive entertainment across a wide range of platforms. This transaction also provides a unique relationship with Universal Music Group - the world's largest music company - which will benefit Guitar Hero and further extend our sizable leadership position in music-based games."

Mike Morhaime, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blizzard, added: "Blizzard's industry-leading PC games business, with a track record of nine consecutive bestsellers and a global subscriber base of more than 9.3 million World of Warcraft players, is an exceptional fit for Activision's highly profitable console games business. From our interactions with the Activision team, it is clear we have much in common in terms of our approaches to game development and publishing. Above all, we are looking forward to continue creating great games for Blizzard gamers around the world, and we believe this new partnership will help us to do that even better than before."

Structure & Terms of Transaction
Under the terms of the agreement, Vivendi Games will be merged with a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision. In the merger, shares of Vivendi Games will be converted into 295.3 million new shares of Activision common stock. Based on the transaction price of $27.50 per share of Activision common stock, this implies a value of approximately $8.1 billion for Vivendi Games. Concurrently with the merger, Vivendi will purchase 62.9 million newly issued shares of Activision common stock at a price of $27.50 per share – a premium of 31% to Activision's average closing price over the past 20 trading days - for a total of $1.7 billion in cash. As a result of these transactions, Vivendi will own an approximate 52% ownership stake in Activision Blizzard on a fully diluted basis.

Within five business days after closing the transaction, Activision Blizzard will launch a $4 billion all-cash tender offer to purchase up to 146.5 million Activision Blizzard common shares at $27.50 per share. The tender offer will be funded by Activision Blizzard's cash on hand at closing, including the $1.7 billion in cash received from the Vivendi share purchase. In addition, Vivendi has agreed to acquire from Activision Blizzard additional newly issued shares for up to an additional $700 million of Activision common stock at $27.50 per share, the proceeds of which would also be used to fund the tender offer. Any remaining funds required to complete the tender offer will be borrowed by Activision Blizzard from Vivendi or third-party lenders. If the tender offer is fully subscribed, Vivendi will own an approximate 68% ownership stake in Activision Blizzard on a fully diluted basis.

The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive in its first year post-closing for Activision's stockholders and slightly accretive for Vivendi’s stockholders. Activision Blizzard is targeting pro forma operating income of $1.1 billion and pro forma earnings per share (EPS) in excess of $1.20 in calendar year 2009. The transaction is expected to be at least $0.20 accretive to Activision stockholders in calendar year 2009.

Governance
Activision Blizzard's board of directors will be comprised of eleven members: six directors designated by Vivendi, two Activision management directors and three independent directors who currently serve on Activision's board of directors. René Penisson, currently a member of the Management Board of Vivendi and Chairman of Vivendi Games, will serve as Chairman of Activision Blizzard. Brian Kelly, currently Co-Chairman of Activision, will serve as Co-Chairman of Activision Blizzard. The three independent directors will be Richard Sarnoff, Robert J. Corti and Robert Morgado. Other Activision Blizzard directors will be Robert Kotick (President and Chief Executive Officer of Activision Blizzard), Bruce Hack (Vice-Chairman and Chief Corporate Officer of Activision Blizzard), Jean-Bernard Lévy (Chairman of the Management Board and Chief Executive Officer of Vivendi), Doug Morris (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Universal Music Group), Philippe Capron (Member of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer of Vivendi), and Frédéric Crépin (Senior Vice President, Head of Legal, Vivendi).

Management
Following the completion of the transaction, Robert Kotick will be President and Chief Executive Officer of Activision Blizzard. Bruce Hack, current Chief Executive Officer of Vivendi Games, will serve as Vice-Chairman and Chief Corporate Officer of Activision Blizzard, accountable for leading the merger integration and the finance, human resources and legal functions. Mike Griffith will serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Activision Publishing, which after closing will include the Sierra Entertainment, Sierra Online and Vivendi Games Mobile divisions in addition to the Activision business. Mike Morhaime will continue to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of Blizzard Entertainment. Thomas Tippl, currently Chief Financial Officer of Activision, will be appointed Chief Financial Officer of Activision Blizzard and Jean-François Grollemund, currently Chief Financial Officer of Vivendi Games, will be appointed Chief Accounting Officer of Activision Blizzard.

Conditions to Closing
The transaction has been approved by the boards of directors of Vivendi, Vivendi Games and Activision. The transaction is subject to the approval of Activision's stockholders and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including expiration of applicable waiting periods and receipt of applicable approvals under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and European Union merger control regulations. Pending regulatory and stockholder approval, the companies expect the transaction to be completed in the first half of calendar year 2008.

Financial and Legal Advisors
Activision’s financial advisor on the transaction is Allen & Company LLC and its legal counsel is Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP. Vivendi’s financial advisor is Goldman, Sachs & Co. and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is acting as legal counsel to Vivendi.

Conference Call and Webcast Information
The management of both companies will host a joint conference call and live webcast on Monday, December 3, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. ET, 2:30 p.m. Paris time, 1:30 p.m. London time to discuss this announcement. The companies welcome all members of the investment community to listen to the call live by dialing into (888) 765-5554 in the U.S. or (913) 312-1235 outside the U.S. The live webcast of the call can be accessed at www.vivendi.com and www.activision.com.

For those unable to listen to the live conference call, an audio replay of the call will be available through December 17, 2007, approximately two hours after the call's conclusion and can be accessed by calling (888) 203-1112 in the U.S. or (719) 457-0820 outside the U.S. and entering the pass-code: 5648597. In addition, a webcast replay also will be archived on the Investor Relations section of each company's website.

Activision Broadcast Media Center
Broadcast quality video and web-streaming video is available in PAL and NTSC formats on Activision's Broadcast Media Center at http://activision.pondserver.com. Pathfire users can download video to their Digital Media Gateway by choosing the Pathfire Enabled file. All video is free of charge and its use is unrestricted.

About Vivendi
Vivendi is a global leader in digital entertainment with activities in music, TV, cinema, mobile, internet, and games through its ownership of Universal Music Group, Canal+ Group, SFR, Maroc Telecom and Vivendi Games. In 2006, Vivendi had revenues of over €20 billion and a global headcount of 39,000. Listed on the Paris Stock market, Vivendi is a member of the CAC 40. More information about Vivendi is available at www.vivendi.com.

About Vivendi Games
Vivendi Games is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multiplatform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category and is building on its position in the PC, console and handheld games markets. Vivendi Games has a global presence, a history of franchise success, development teams around the world and a catalog of its own original and licensed material. Vivendi Games has approximately 4,000 employees and is driven by four creative divisions: Blizzard Entertainment, Sierra Entertainment, Sierra Online and Vivendi Games Mobile. Irvine, California-based Blizzard, creator of the Warcraft, StarCraft and Diablo games series, is by far the largest of the four entities with approximately 2,300 employees.

About Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Best known for blockbuster hits including World of Warcraft and the Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo series, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Vivendi Games, is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games. Blizzard Entertainment's track record includes ten #1-selling games and multiple Game of the Year awards. The company's online-gaming service, Battle.net®, is one of the largest in the world, with millions of active users.

About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.5 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2007. Activision has more than 2,000 employees worldwide.

Activision maintains operations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Scandinavia, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, Japan and South Korea. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.

Calculation of Certain Estimates
All financial information relating to Activision, Vivendi Games and Blizzard Entertainment included in this press release, including pro forma estimates for calendar year 2007, and projections for future periods, represent the companies' respective estimates and projections and were not prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. These estimates exclude the impact of expenses related to equity-based compensation and related tax benefits, potential one-time restructuring charges of up to $100 million that may be incurred in connection with the transaction, and the potential impact from non-cash intangible amortization resulting from purchase price accounting. In addition, these estimates assume continued net revenue growth as well as expense reductions and other synergies that may or may not be realized. Estimates for future periods are subject to significant inherent uncertainties, which increase with periods farther into the future. Actual results may differ materially and are subject to risks, including the risks described in the Cautionary Note below. To the extent that the estimates for calendar year 2007 are based on the historical performance of Activision and Vivendi Games through September 30, 2007, not all such historical information has been audited, the accounting policies of the companies may differ, and the two companies have different fiscal years. The financial information for Blizzard Entertainment contained in this press release is presented on a stand-alone basis and does not reflect the results of operations of other Vivendi Games divisions.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements
Information in this press release that involves expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. In this release they are identified by references to dates after the date of this release and words such as "outlook," "will," "will be," "remains," "to be," "plans," "believes", "may", "expects," "intends," "should," "continue," and similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, the timing and successful completion of the transactions described in this release (including the timing and receipt of stockholder and regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other closing conditions), the combined companies’ success in executing planned strategies and achieving assumed synergies and cost savings, sales of each company’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, the ability of Activision Blizzard to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms (including next-generation hardware), declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of the company’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware and related software, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, vendors and third-party developers, international economic and political conditions, integration of recent acquisitions and identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities, and foreign exchange rate changes. Other such factors include, without limitation, the additional risks identified in Activision's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in the documents Vivendi has filed with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (French securities regulator) and which are also available in English on Vivendi’s website (www.vivendi.com). Investors and security holders may obtain a free copy of documents filed by Vivendi with the Autorité des Marchés Financiers at www.amf-france.org, or directly from Vivendi.

The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision and Vivendi as of the date of this release, and neither Activision nor Vivendi assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the companies’ control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Important Additional Information will be filed with the SEC
This communication is being made in respect of the proposed business combination involving Activision, Vivendi and Vivendi Games. In connection with the proposed transactions, Activision plans to file with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 containing a Proxy Statement as well as other documents regarding the proposed transactions. The definitive Proxy Statement will be mailed to stockholders of Activision. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ACTIVISION ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS.

Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Activision through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Free copies of the Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC can also be obtained by directing a request to Activision’s Investor Relations.

Activision and its directors and executive officers and other persons may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Activision's directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2007, which was filed with the SEC on June 14, 2007, and its proxy statement for its 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on July 30, 2007. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available.

THIS DOCUMENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO BUY OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SECURITIES. THE SOLICITATION AND THE OFFER TO BUY SHARES OF ACTIVISION'S COMMON STOCK WILL ONLY BE MADE PURSUANT TO AN OFFER TO PURCHASE AND RELATED MATERIALS THAT ACTIVISION INTENDS TO FILE WITH THE SEC. ONCE FILED, ACTIVISION STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD READ THESE MATERIALS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO MAKING ANY DECISIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE OFFER. ONCE FILED, ACTIVISION STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND RELATED MATERIALS WITH RESPECT TO THE OFFER FREE OF CHARGE AT THE SEC'S WEBSITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV, OR FROM THE INFORMATION AGENT NAMED IN THE TENDER OFFER MATERIALS.

Contacts
For further information, please contact:

Vivendi Investor Relations:
Daniel Scolan
Phone: +33 (1) 71 71 1470
Mobile: +33 (6) 12 38 7762

Laurence Daniel
Phone: +33 (1) 71 71 1233

Agnès de Leersnyder
Phone: +33 (1) 71 71 1470

Activision Investor Relations:
Kristin Southey
Phone: (310) 255-2635

Vivendi Investor Relations (US):
Eileen McLaughlin
Phone: (212) 572 -8961

Vivendi Media:
Antoine Lefort
Phone: +33 (1) 71 71 1180
Mobile: +33 (6) 11 72 7695

Agnès Vétillart
Phone: +33 (1) 71 71 3082

Alain Delrieu
Phone: +33 (1) 71 71 1086

Vivendi Media (US):
Flavie Lemarchand-Wood
Phone: (212) 572-1118
Mobile: (646) 752-7550

Activision Media (Europe):
Finsbury Limited
Don Hunter
Phone: +44 20 7251 3801

Activision Media:
Maryanne Lataif
Phone: (310) 255-2704
Mobile: (310) 990 5870

Sard Verbinnen & Co
Paul Kranhold/Stephanie Pillersdorf/Renée Soto
Phone: (212) 687-8080

VIVENDI GAMES NAMES XOCHILT BALZOLA-WIDMANN HEAD OF ITS EUROPEAN RETAIL ORGANIZATION

Aug, 10 2007 00:00:00 PDT

Vivendi Games today announced that Xochilt Balzola-Widmann has been named executive vice president and general manager of its European Retail organization. Ms. Balzola-Widmann will assume responsibility for the strategic direction and retail business throughout Europe; she was previously responsible for this activity in Central Europe as well as France and Italy. She will continue to report directly to Pascal Brochier, president of global retail for Vivendi Games.

"We're thrilled to have Xochilt lead the charge for Vivendi Games throughout Europe and we are confident that positioning the European organization under a single management structure enables the team to best capitalize on both current and future business opportunities," said Brochier. "Xochilt has had a tremendous impact on Vivendi Games' business in Europe since joining the Company. She has extensive knowledge of both the games industry and the European marketplace both of which are critical to the Company's ongoing success."

Ms. Balzola-Widmann joined Vivendi Games in 2004 and is based in Munich. Prior to joining Vivendi Games she served as director of European sales for Electronic Arts based in London.

"I'm excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with the Vivendi Games' team, our retail customers and business partners to continue bringing high-quality, entertaining games to consumers throughout Europe," said Balzola-Widmann.

About Vivendi Games
Vivendi Games (www.vivendigames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment with 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Vivendi Games and its four divisions - Blizzard Entertainment, Sierra Entertainment, Sierra Online and Vivendi Games Mobile - span the key areas of the industry. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category with Blizzard Entertainment's blockbuster hit World of Warcraft® and has a significant presence in the console, handheld, PC, casual online and mobile gaming segments.

CPL PRESIDENT TO BE INTERVIEWED LIVE ON EPILEPTIC GAMING

May, 01 2007 18:20:50 PDT

This week Epileptic Gaming #117 will welcome the Founder and President of the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) LIVE on-set for Wednesday's edition to air at 7PM EST (6PM CST | 4PM PST).

Last week during Epileptic Gaming #116 the show's hosts spoke about the recent game selection for the upcoming CPL World Tour 2007 and World Tour lead sponsor Sierra Entertainment. While reactions from the community and viewers have been mixed, the hosts of Epileptic Gaming discussed the reasons why this was a smart move for all parties involved.

This Wednesday at 7PM EST, Epileptic Gaming will have the opportunity to talk face-to-face with one of the most interesting personalities in E-Sports, Angel Munoz. During this time Epileptic Gaming will get the opportunity to discuss the future of the CPL, the World Tour, and Sierra Entertainment's involvement. They'll also take some time out of the show to have some fun with Angel… a few surprises are definitely in store!

Mark your calendars for this Wednesday, May 2, at 7PM EST (6PM CST | 4PM PST) and see Angel Munoz LIVE on www.EpilepticGaming.com.

**WARNING** This program has content that may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. The show contains strong language.

ACME MOBILE TO DISTRIBUTE VIVENDI GAMES MOBILE HIT TITLES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

Apr, 26 2007 00:00:00 PDT

Acme Mobile Pte Ltd., Southeast Asia's premier distributor of mobile entertainment content, today announced an agreement with Vivendi Games Mobile to distribute a line-up of innovative mobile games to nearly 160 million mobile subscribers across Southeast Asia. The titles are being made available via Acme's "Amob.com" and direct operator distribution channels, covering 15 carriers in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Vivendi Games Mobile had two titles, Crash Bandicoot Racing® and Eragon™: Dragon Rider already ranking among Acme Mobile's top-ten most popular mobile games downloaded across Southeast Asia in February. Crash Bandicoot Racing is based on the popular, top-selling Crash® Bandicoot video game franchise. Crash Bandicoot Racing provides the unique opportunity to fuse two cars together on the fly to form a super vehicle outfitted with a turret gun to clear the road of all traffic. Based on the Twentieth Century Fox feature film Eragon, Vivendi Games Mobile's Eragon: Dragon Rider mobile game captures the excitement and drama of the epic blockbuster film.

"Vivendi Games Mobile is known for its award-winning mobile games," said Paul Meyers, Acme Mobile's founder and CEO. "Already, we've had great success distributing a variety of titles across the region, and we're looking forward to even more success."

"We are excited to partner with Acme to distribute Vivendi Games Mobile's hit titles to mobile gamers throughout Southeast Asia," said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. "Acme has an excellent direct distribution network and can help expand our global gaming presence."

About Acme Mobile
Acme Mobile Pte Ltd is Southeast Asia's premiere distributor of mobile entertainment content. Acme works with the world's leading creators of mobile games, images, music and video, distributing their content through Acme's network of more than 60 carriers and portals across 13 Asian countries as well as its new mobile entertainment portals - www.amob.com and wap.amob.com.

Founded in 2002, Acme Mobile is a privately held company with offices in Singapore and Bangkok. A new subsidiary office in Manila will open in early 2007.

About Vivendi Games Mobile
Vivendi Games Mobile (www.vgmobile.com), a division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes quality titles for the mobile games market. The division is global, with its headquarters in Paris, a US-based team in Los Angeles; and internal development studios based in Paris and San Mateo, California. The company publishes games based on original IP, popular entertainment licenses and classic Sierra Entertainment IP, which are distributed by more than 90 operators and dozens of Web portals in more than 60 countries around the world.

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Eragon ™ & © 2006 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

CYBERATHLETE PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE ANNOUNCES SIERRA ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORSHIP OF 2007 WORLD TOUR

Apr, 23 2007 17:30:20 PDT

The Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL), the pioneer and leader in professional video gaming competitions, today announced a partnership with video game publisher Sierra Entertainment as the title sponsor of the 2007 CPL World Tour, which will debut in Verona, Italy on May 11-13, 2007.

The eight-month 2007 CPL Sierra Entertainment World Tour, boasting a total competitive purse of $500,000, includes stops in Italy, Sweden, the United States, Australia and Brazil, and will culminate with a $300,000 Grand Prize Final event currently planned for New York City.

The tour will feature two critically acclaimed titles from Sierra Entertainment for the largely amateur and grassroots competitions, shining a spotlight on the next generation of professional video games sports stars.

The multi-million unit seller, F.E.A.R.™ (First Encounter Assault Recon) franchise, originally released in the Fall of 2005, was heralded by PC Gamer as the "Best Action Game of the Year" for its combination of stylized first-person action combat and supernatural suspense. The tour will feature the Xbox 360™ multiplayer edition introduced last year, giving players the opportunity to compete in paranormal frenetic multiplayer action that has become the signature of F.E.A.R.

World in Conflict™, which launches later this year, is the next-generation of action strategy games, with completely destructible 3D battlefields, intense team-based multiplayer action and a focus on fast, hard-hitting battles. Showcasing the Windows PC version, the unbelievably authentic Cold War title can only be played at the CPL World Tour.

"The CPL is proud once again to break new ground in e-sports by partnering with Sierra Entertainment and selecting both F.E.A.R. and World in Conflict as our featured games for this year's four-continent $500,000 World Tour," said Angel Munoz, Founder and President, CPL. "We are making a long-term commitment to these exciting and highly competitive new games and are working closely with Sierra to continue to raise the profile of professional video gaming and to enable increasing numbers of gamers to enter the professional ranks."

"Through the CPL World Tour, gamers from around the world will push their skills to the extreme, taking competitive gaming to a whole new level," said Ami Blaire, Vice-President, Integrated Marketing, Vivendi Games. "We approach our business with the same level of enthusiasm and focus as the CPL's professional gamers, as we continually push the innovation of our games to offer the best entertainment and value possible. F.E.A.R. and our new original property World in Conflict exemplify this commitment. We're excited to be able to give CPL competitors the exclusive opportunity to see and play World in Conflict before it goes to market."

Additional dates and locations for 2007 CPL Sierra Entertainment World Tour events will be announced in early May.

For more information about F.E.A.R., please visit the game's official website at www.whatisfear.com.

For more information about World in Conflict, please visit the game's official website at www.worldinconflict.com.

About Sierra Entertainment
Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes innovative, high-quality interactive entertainment for personal computers, videogame systems and handheld gaming devices. Sierra features a strong portfolio of titles based on original IP and popular licenses from industry- leading content partners. Sierra has four integrated internal studios providing top-notch creative talents, development capabilities across multiple genres and a global perspective: High Moon Studios in San Diego, CA; Massive Entertainment in Malmö, Sweden; Radical Entertainment in Vancouver, BC; and Swordfish Studios in Birmingham and Manchester, England.

About The Cyberathlete Professional League
The Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) is the world's most recognized name in professional videogame tournaments and a major force in the transformation of videogame competitions to a professional sport. The Dallas, TX-based organization has produced over 60 national and international live gaming events and awarded more than $3 million in prize monies since its founding in 1997. The Cyberathlete Amateur League (CAL), the CPL's online amateur division, has 550,000 registered members and hosts year-round online tournaments for 60 game divisions.

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Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

SIERRA ENTERTAINMENT NAMES PETER DELLA PENNA PRESIDENT OF HIGH MOON STUDIOS<br> <br> FOUNDING PRESIDENT JOHN ROWE TAKES ON ADVISORY ROLE

Mar, 22 2007 13:35:30 PDT

Sierra Entertainment today announced it has named Peter Della Penna president of High Moon Studios. Della Penna takes the helm from High Moon Studio's founding president John Rowe, who will move into an advisory role with the studio. Based in San Diego, California, High Moon Studios is one of four internal game development studios within the Sierra Entertainment organization.

"We look to Peter to direct all aspects of the critical development work being done for Sierra Entertainment within High Moon Studios," said Martin Tremblay, president, Worldwide Studios for Sierra Entertainment. "I'm confident under Peter's leadership, High Moon will continue the momentum John has established."

Rowe, a 27-year veteran of the video game industry, established what ultimately became High Moon Studios in 2002. He continued to head the studio following its acquisition by Vivendi Games in January 2006.

"Peter has been an integral part of High Moon since our acquisition," said Rowe. "He has intimate knowledge of the studio and the admiration of our development principals. High Moon is poised for continued success under his leadership."

Prior to taking on this new role, Della Penna served as Chief Operating Officer for Sierra Entertainment's Worldwide Studios. He joined Vivendi Games in 2001 as Senior Vice-President for Studio Finance and Operations. Della Penna has more than 15 years of experience in publishing and has held senior positions spanning external development, internal support, quality assurance, customer service, operations and finance.

"I'm truly honored to join High Moon Studios in this capacity and look forward to building on the foundation of creativity and quality already in place," said Della Penna. "I'm excited about the enhanced interaction I'll have with the team focused on producing a strong slate of Sierra Entertainment products."

About Sierra Entertainment
Sierra Entertainment (www.sierra.com), a global division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes innovative, high-quality interactive entertainment for videogame systems, handheld gaming devices and personal computers. Sierra Entertainment features a portfolio of titles based on original IP and popular licenses from industry-leading content partners, including F.E.A.R.™, Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro the Dragon®, Scarface™ and Ice Age™. Sierra Entertainment has four integrated internal studios providing creative talents and development capabilities across multiple gaming genres: High Moon Studios in San Diego, CA; Massive Entertainment in Malmö, Sweden; Radical Entertainment in Vancouver, BC; and Swordfish Studios in Birmingham and Manchester, England.

VIVENDI GAMES ACQUIRES TOP LATIN AMERICAN GAME DEVELEOPER WANAKO GAMES

Feb, 20 2007 00:00:00 PST

Vivendi Games today announced the acquisition of Wanako Games, based in Santiago, Chile. Wanako is the largest game development studio in Latin America. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition underscores the commitment by Vivendi Games’ Sierra Online division to enhance its internal product development capabilities in the fast growing console download online games space. Sierra Online will bring to life several of Wanako’s innovative, original concepts and will retain and grow its talented team of developers.

Sierra Online teamed up with Wanako Games on the development of the action-packed Xbox Live® Arcade title, Assault Heroes™, released in December 2006. Assault Heroes was awarded Xbox Live Arcade Game of the Year by IGN.com, the web’s number one videogame information site. Next up, Wanako Games will bring their artistic expertise to the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade game, 3-D Ultra Minigolf Adventures.

“Wanako exudes the commitment to quality and a passion for developing great games that we ourselves strongly believe in,” said Ed Zobrist, president, Sierra Online. “The studio has an extensive offering of valuable tools and technologies that can be leveraged across all of Sierra Online’s development studios. The combination of Wanako’s development experience, creativity and technical capabilities will contribute greatly to our presence as a leading publisher of console download online games.”

“We are very excited to join a visionary group like Sierra Online who is focused on bringing truly entertaining and innovative online games to a mass market,” said Esteban Sosnik, founder and former CEO of Wanako Games. “In working with Sierra Online on Assault Heroes it quickly became clear that our companies shared the same core values in game development and by joining together we could develop and deliver amazing products.”

Sosnik will become head of Sierra Online Latin America and assume a broader role responsible for Sierra Online’s business initiatives in Latin America.

“The entire development team is incredibly excited to join forces with Sierra Online to lead the industry in the casual online games space,” said Tiburcio de la Cárcova, development manager and creative director of Wanako Games. Tiburcio will continue to manage and grow the studio in Santiago. Wanako is currently developing a number of other unannounced Sierra Online titles.

About Sierra Online

Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, creates and publishes quality short- and mid-session, casual online games for all viable gaming platforms. Sierra Online’s titles include Assault Heroes™, an award-winning game for Xbox® Live Arcade, and the upcoming FreeStyle Street Basketball™, an online PC game from leading Korean developer JC Entertainment, Inc. The division is also developing a variety of other Xbox Live Arcade and PC online games targeting the mass-market audience. Sierra Online runs a global business with headquarters in Los Angeles, California, a regional European office in Frankfurt, Germany; a regional Asia Pacific office in Shanghai, China; and internal development studios in Seattle, Washington; Shanghai, China; and Santiago, Chile.

VIVENDI GAMES ACQUIRES SECRET LAIR STUDIOS AND STUDIO CH'IN

Sep, 28 2006 18:20:40 PDT

Vivendi Games today announced that it has purchased two development studios, Secret Lair Studios, located in Issaquah, Washington, and Studio Ch'in in Shanghai, China. The purchase of Studio Ch'in is subject to the approval of the Government of the People's Republic of China under Chinese Law, and Vivendi Games is in the process of obtaining such required approval. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

The acquisition positions Vivendi Games' Sierra Online division as a key publisher of Xbox Live® Arcade titles. Sierra Online already has numerous Xbox Live Arcade titles in development, including action-packed Assault Heroes, the highly-anticipated Carcassonne, based on the popular tile-based board game, as well as other unannounced games. Xbox Live Arcade is a fast growing phenomenon in console gaming. Both acquired studios also contribute extensive development experience on other consoles and platforms, specializing in mid-session and PC online titles.

"Working together, our teams in Los Angeles, Seattle and Shanghai, now form a significant internal development organization focused on creating cutting edge online entertainment with global appeal," said Ed Zobrist, president, Sierra Online. "We're excited about the vast creative opportunities presented by platforms like Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade and intend to be a premiere publisher for the popular online service as well as the PC online space."

"I firmly believe in this business that great games come from great people. In joining the Sierra Online team, we become part of a tremendous group of people centered on quality game development," said Jason Robar, head of studios for Sierra Online Seattle and Shanghai. "It's an exciting time in the industry with the ongoing success of Xbox Live Arcade and the anticipation of Windows Vista which Microsoft has designed from the ground up for gaming. The combination of our current business relationships and development with Sierra Online's existing initiatives sets the highest standard for Xbox Live Arcade, mid-session and PC online titles."

"Sierra Online is an incredible partner for Xbox Live Arcade, incorporating a wealth of creativity and originality into its games," said Greg Canessa, GM, Xbox Live Arcade. "Over the next year, we're looking forward to adding exceptional games from Sierra Online to the diverse library of Xbox Live Arcade titles already being played by Xbox 360 owners around the world."

About Sierra Online
Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, develops and publishes quality Xbox Live Arcade, mid-session and PC online titles for every viable platform. Titles in development include FreeStyle Street Basketball™, a fast-paced online basketball game featuring innovative community and customization capabilities; as well as Xbox Live Arcade and online games. Sierra Online is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with regional studios in Issaquah, WA, and Shanghai, China.

Vivendi Games is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category and holds leading positions in the PC, casual online, console, handheld and mobile games markets. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios and Massive Entertainment. Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, dedicated to publishing quality titles for the worldwide mobile games market. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

VIVENDI GAMES MOBILE TEAMS WITH BOOST MOBILE TO DELIVER A DIVERSE LINEUP OF MOBILE GAMES TO BOOST CUSTOMERS

Sep, 14 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Vivendi Games Mobile and Boost Mobile®, a lifestyle-based telecommunications brand that develops and distributes wireless communications products for the youth market, today announced a distribution agreement to offer an array of compelling games to Boost Mobile customers. Boost customers will soon have easy access to a variety of popular titles including Black Hawk Down®, Empire Earth®, Flying Toaster™, Navy Battle™, SWAT® Force and The Legend of Spyro™.

"Boost has been a leader in offering highly entertaining content across many different genres and with mobile gaming taking off with our customers, we are pleased to team with Vivendi Games to offer an even greater selection of hit games for our customers to choose from," said Boost Mobile Director of Value Added Services Craig Thole. "Vivendi Games Mobile has created a great lineup of mobile games that appeal to our customer base – whether it's the casual mobile gamer or someone looking for more advanced, hardcore games."

"Having access to truly fun mobile games is a must have with today's savvy mobile subscriber and we're thrilled to bring a host of really entertaining games to Boost Mobile's customers," said Paul Maglione, president, Vivendi Games Mobile. "Boost customers will surely enjoy playing Flying Toaster based on the ubiquitous Flying Toasters® screen saver, the legendary inspiration for the modern day screen saver. Gamers will also find games like Navy Battle, inspired by the classic Battleship board game, hard to put down."

About Boost Mobile
Based in Irvine, California, Boost Mobile, LLC, a division of Sprint Nextel Corporation, (NYSE: S), is a lifestyle-based telecommunications brand focused on offering premium Pay-As-You-Go wireless phones and services to the youth market. Boost is among the fastest growing wireless services in the U.S. and now has more than 3.6 million customers - the majority of which are under the age of 25. Boost-branded wireless phones with its exclusive Boost™ Walkie-Talkie service and Re-Boost® Cards are available nationwide at locations where youth prefer to shop, including national retailers and convenience stores, and merchants that focus on fashion, music, and action sports-related activities. Experience Boost on the Web at www.boostmobile.com.

About Vivendi Games Mobile
Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, is dedicated to publishing quality titles for the worldwide mobile games market. Vivendi Games Mobile is headquartered in Paris, France, with regional headquarters in Los Angeles and Singapore. The Company has production and commercial operations teams throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Vivendi Games Mobile offers a diverse portfolio of action, strategy, casual and classic games based on original IP, high-profile entertainment licenses and mainstream content to more than 90 operators in 60 countries around the world. Top-selling titles include: Crash Twinsanity™, Crash® Bandicoot Racing, Spyro the Dragon®, Leisure Suit Larry®: Magna Cum Laude, Empire Earth®, SWAT® Force, Navy Battle™, Red Baron®, Flying Toaster™ and Black Hawk Down®: Team Sabre™. For further information, visit http://www.vgmobile.com.

Vivendi Games is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category and holds leading positions in the PC, casual online, console, handheld and mobile games markets. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios and Massive Entertainment. Vivendi Games is also home to Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

VIVENDI GAMES MOBILE AND VERIZON WIRELESS BRINGING EXCITING NEW GAMES TO GET IT NOW CUSTOMERS

Sep, 13 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Vivendi Games Mobile and Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless provider, today announced they will offer a slate of exciting new titles and classic games to Verizon Wireless Get It Now® customers in the coming weeks, including compelling games in a variety of genres, such as Black Hawk Down®, Empire Earth®, Flying Toaster™, Red Baron® and SWAT® Force.

John Harrobin, vice president of digital media for Verizon Wireless, said, "Verizon Wireless is committed to bringing only the highest quality games to our Get It Now customers and Vivendi Games Mobile is recognized for creating the caliber titles our customers nationwide have come to expect. Verizon Wireless has become synonymous with the best mobile gaming experience – with advanced graphics and quality content from publishers like Vivendi Games Mobile, our customers have access to great mobile games in the palms of their hands."

"We are big believers in what Verizon Wireless has done with mobile gaming, Get It Now and V CAST," said Paul Maglione, president of Vivendi Games Mobile. "Like Verizon Wireless, Vivendi Games Mobile is committed to pushing the envelope when it comes to the quality and diversity of mobile games available. We are focused on creating wickedly fun and entertaining titles, everything from action-packed games to casual puzzles that will appeal to a wide range of mobile gamers."

Verizon Wireless customers with select Get It Now-enabled phones can download games from the getGAMES shopping aisles of the Get It Now virtual store. Download charges for Get It Now applications vary and airtime charges apply when browsing, downloading and using certain applications. Customers need a Get It Now-enabled phone and Verizon Wireless digital service to access the Get It Now virtual store.

For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 54.8 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Vivendi Games
Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, is dedicated to publishing quality titles for the worldwide mobile games market. Vivendi Games Mobile is headquartered in Paris, France, with regional headquarters in Los Angeles and Singapore. The Company has production and commercial operations teams throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Vivendi Games Mobile offers a diverse portfolio of action, strategy, casual and classic games based on original IP, high-profile entertainment licenses and mainstream content to more than 90 operators in 60 countries around the world. Top-selling titles include: Crash Twinsanity™, Crash® Bandicoot Racing, Spyro the Dragon®, Leisure Suit Larry®: Magna Cum Laude, Empire Earth®, SWAT® Force, Navy Battle, Red Baron®, Flying Toaster™ and Black Hawk Down®: Team Sabre™. For further information, visit www.vgmobile.com.

Vivendi Games is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category and holds leading positions in the PC, casual online, console, handheld and mobile games markets. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios and Massive Entertainment. Vivendi Games is also home to Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

Get It Now is a registered trademark of Verizon Wireless.

Vivendi Games Acquires Award-Winning Mobile Publisher Centerscore

Sep, 12 2006 11:25:40 PDT

Vivendi Games today announced that it has acquired Centerscore, a prominent developer of award-winning mobile games. The acquisition accelerates Vivendi Games' entry into the mobile games and entertainment space. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"The Vivendi Games Mobile division is gaining good traction in the worldwide mobile marketplace," said Cindy Cook, chief strategy and marketing officer for Vivendi Games. "The addition of the Centerscore team is another step in our plan to be among the top mobile publishers in the industry."

"Centerscore's imaginative games have consistently been top sellers; and the diverse lineup of titles, particularly their excellent range of casual games, is a welcome addition to our existing portfolio," said Paul Maglione, president, Vivendi Games Mobile. "What we found most exceptional about Centerscore is the Company's ability to successfully build a team of designers, artists, developers and testers from the ground up, and to execute the creation and distribution of great games from under one roof."

Vivendi Games Mobile will obtain the rights to Centerscore's portfolio of popular titles as well as games currently in development. Centerscore has launched a variety of innovative casual games that have amassed accolades from critics throughout the industry, including Amy's Jigsaw Scrapbook, Amy's Hangman and Alone: The Horror Begins. Oliver Miao, CEO of Centerscore, will continue in his current role leading the studio and will report to Maglione. The studio will continue to be based out of San Mateo, California.

"As a young, creative team built around developing original games, Centerscore was hesitant to join a large company. However, Vivendi Games Mobile has the vision, the strength and the people with heart to make them an oustanding market leader," said Miao. "We are truly thrilled to join the Vivendi Games Mobile team in delivering exciting, new games to everyday people."

Founded in 2000 by Miao and three of his friends from Stanford University, Centerscore is one of the most experienced and established mobile game developers in the U.S. Other popular games currently on sale with wireless carriers include Surviving High School, Spin Blocks 360, Aquarium Pets and a range of Garfield-branded titles.

About Vivendi Games Mobile
Vivendi Games Mobile, a division of Vivendi Games, is dedicated to publishing quality titles for the worldwide mobile games market. Vivendi Games Mobile is headquartered in Paris, France, with regional headquarters in Los Angeles and Singapore. The Company has production and commercial operations teams throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific. Vivendi Games Mobile offers a diverse portfolio of action, strategy, casual and classic games based on original IP, high-profile entertainment licenses and mainstream content to more than 90 operators in 60 countries around the world. Top-selling titles include: Crash Twinsanity™, Crash® Bandicoot Racing, Spyro the Dragon®, Leisure Suit Larry®: Magna Cum Laude, Empire Earth®, SWAT® Force, Navy Battle, Red Baron®, Flying Toaster™ and Black Hawk Down®: Team Sabre™. For further information, visit http://www.vgmobile.com.

Vivendi Games is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category and holds leading positions in the PC, casual online, console, handheld and mobile games markets. Vivendi Games' two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios and Massive Entertainment. Vivendi Games is also home to Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

GameSpot Gets an Early Look at What Sierra Entertainment has Planned for 2006 and Beyond

Aug, 23 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Last week GameSpot met with the folks of Sierra Entertainment in the sunny oasis of Palm Springs, California to get the lowdown on all the remaining titles for 2006 including Caesar™ IV, F.E.A.R.™ on Xbox 360, Eragon, Crash® Boom Bang, The Legend of Spyro™, and more! Check out all of GameSpot's previews from this special event below.

GameSpot @ Sierra

SIERRA ENTERTAINMENT AND SPARK UNLIMITED DEVELOPING ACTION GAME FOR NEXT-GENERATION CONSOLES

Aug, 11 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Sierra Entertainment, a division of Vivendi Games, has signed a development agreement with Spark Unlimited™ to create an action game for next-generation consoles. Sierra Entertainment will work with Spark Unlimited on the project which is expected to ship in 2007. More information about the title will be released later this year.

“We couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to work with Vivendi Games and Sierra Entertainment. We share a common creative vision for this upcoming project, but even more importantly, a desire to deliver a truly unique and incredible game experience,” said Craig Allen, CEO, Spark Unlimited. “Together with Sierra Entertainment and through the creation of an all-new intellectual property, we are able to showcase our award-winning game design on the next-generation consoles."

Spark Unlimited is a renowned developer of first-person action games for consoles, most recently completing the award-winning and critically acclaimed Call of Duty™: Finest Hour™. Spark Unlimited’s upcoming title will build upon this legacy of excellence, while moving to next-generation technology and venturing into a modern setting.

About Spark Unlimited
Spark Unlimited is a developer of high-quality video games for consumer game systems and originators of creative franchises for cross-media development. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Sherman Oaks, California, Spark Unlimited is an employee-owned company that uses artistry through technology to create entertainment for a global audience. For more information about Spark Unlimited, please visit our website at www.sparkunlimited.com.

About Vivendi Games
Vivendi Games (www.vivendigames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games’ two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft®, Diablo®, StarCraft®, and Warcraft®; and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra’s IPs include Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, SWAT®, Darkwatch™, TimeShift™, Ground Control® and Leisure Suit Larry®. Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the emerging mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

SIERRA ENTERTAINMENT UPDATES WEBSITE

Jun, 27 2006 17:46:00 PDT

Sierra Entertainment is proud to announce the newly updated and completely redesigned Sierra.com website. The new website reflects the ongoing commitment to the Sierra Entertainment legacy, the bright future for our fun and innovative games, and the needs of the ever-changing online community. We hope you enjoy the new online home for Sierra Entertainment and continue to visit us for years to come.

About Sierra Entertainment
Sierra Entertainment (www.sierra.com), a Vivendi Games studio, is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Sierra Entertainment’s development studios include Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra’s IPs include Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, SWAT®, Darkwatch™, Timeshift™, Ground Control® and Leisure Suit Larry®. Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the emerging mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Sierra Entertainment maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment.

VIVENDI GAMES ANNOUNCES TOP TIER PRODUCT LINE-UP FOR 2006 ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO

May, 08 2006 00:00:00 PDT

Vivendi Games (“VG”) today announced its product line-up for the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Among the company’s highly anticipated titles to be shown during E3 is Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft®: The Burning Crusade™, the expansion pack to the world’s most popular massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG). Sierra Entertainment will also highlight exciting new titles, including Scarface™ The World Is Yours, which will be shown in a theater that recreates the infamous mansion balcony shoot-out from the iconic film starring Al Pacino; Eragon™, based on the best-selling novel and upcoming feature film from 20th Century Fox, Eragon. Fox and Vivendi Games will be previewing exclusive footage from the movie and presenting the game in the Eragon Theater. Sierra will also debut F.E.A.R.™ 360, the critically acclaimed 2005 PC title being released on Xbox 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as several other exciting Sierra titles.

“Vivendi Games has emerged as a leader in top quality interactive entertainment with the number one position in the MMORPG market, and leading positions in PC and console. We are thrilled to present a spectacular E3 roster of original properties and entertainment licenses, which reflect the creativity and innovation that are cornerstones of our work,” said Bruce Hack, CEO of Vivendi Games.

Other major E3 releases from Sierra Entertainment include Timeshift™ for Xbox 360, PC titles World in Conflict™, Caesar™ IV, and F.E.A.R. Extraction Point, the expansion pack to F.E.A.R., and PSP™ (PlayStation® Portable) system titles 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition and Miami Vice™ The Game. VG’s new Sierra Online division will highlight FreeStyle Street Basketball™, currently one of the most popular games in Korea, and Vivendi Games Mobile will showcase new mobile titles.

Listed below is additional information for the titles on display at Vivendi Games’ E3 booth #1224, located in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade (Expansion Pack)
World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade takes up where World of Warcraft left off, with the races of the Horde and the Alliance continuing to rebuild their lives among the shattered lands of Azeroth. Amid the fragile peace that exists between the factions come rumors that the Burning Legion’s age-old war against Azeroth – the so-called Burning Crusade – has been rekindled and threatens to consume the world in another firestorm of war and strife. Additional news, including details on the highly anticipated beta-test and expected release dates for each region, will be announced in the coming months.

Sierra Entertainment, Inc.

Scarface: The World Is Yours
Scarface: The World Is Yours is an open-world action game that puts players in the epic role of Tony Montana. Featuring an unprecedented all-star Hollywood cast and an original script penned by renowned writer David McKenna, the creator of American History X and Blow, Scarface: The World Is Yours will bring Tony Montana to life in an authentic Scarface experience. Developed by Radical Entertainment. Expected Release: Fall 2006; Platform: PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PC

Eragon
Based on the worldwide literary phenomenon and the 2006 20th Century Fox film starring Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, Academy Award nominee John Malkovich, Djimon Hounsou, Robert Carlyle, Ed Speleers and Sienna Guillory, Eragon immerses the player in a magical world of dragon riders, destiny and adventure. Gamers will engage in intense battles with an unparalleled combo and magic-based combat system. Developed by Stormfront Studios and Amaze Entertainment. Expected Release: Fall 2006; Platforms: PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360, Xbox, NGC, GBA, DS, PC

World in Conflict
World in Conflict represents the next-generation of strategy games, with completely destructible 3D battlefields, aggressive team-based multiplayer action and a focus on fast, hard-hitting battles. The game presents a chillingly authentic Cold War scenario created by noted author and Cold War authority Larry Bond. Developed by Massive Entertainment. Expected Release: Spring 2007; Platform: PC

F.E.A.R. 360
The best shooter of 2005 comes to the Xbox 360 with brand new single player and multiplayer content. F.E.A.R. is a paranormal action thriller presented entirely in first person. It is an unprecedented adrenaline rush of close quarters combat seamlessly melded with the spine-tingling, shocking intensity of the unknown. Developed by Day One Studios. Expected Release: Q4 2006; Platform: Xbox 360

F.E.A.R. Extraction Point (Expansion Pack)
In the expansion pack for the critically acclaimed F.E.A.R. Extraction Point kicks off where the original title ended – with a bang. The First Encounter Assault Recon Team (F.E.A.R.) returns to battle the now free Alma and her deadly minions across a desolated city. Developed by TimeGate Studios. Expected Release: Oct. 2006; Platform: PC

Timeshift
Timeshift is a futuristic FPS that is all about controlling time. Using the Quantum Suit, players have the ability to slow, stop and reverse the flow of time for short periods to solve problems and take out enemies while remaining completely unaffected. Developed by Sabre Interactive. Expected Release: September 2006; Platform: Xbox 360, PC

Caesar IV
Caesar IV advances, refines and updates the city-building gameplay pioneered by the Caesar franchise, while remaining true to its predecessor's proud legacy. In Caesar IV, players take on the role of an aspiring provincial governor. Developed by Tilted Mill. Expected Release: Sept 2006; Platform: PC

50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition
The gritty urban action game starring multi-platinum recording artist 50 Cent is now portable. 50 Cent: Bulletproof G Unit Edition is the ultimate fusion of music, gaming and video entertainment, offering more than a boxed-set of 50 Cent music, an exclusive G Unit documentary, 15 music videos and all new action-packed gameplay. Developed by High Voltage Software. Expected Release: August 2006; Platform: PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system

Miami Vice The Game
Inspired by the upcoming summer film from Universal Pictures, Miami Vice The Game puts players deep undercover as narcotics officers Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs in the decadent world of present-day Miami. Developed by Rebellion Studios. Expected Release: July 2006; Platform: Platform: PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) system

Sierra Online

FreeStyle Street Basketball
Freestyle is a fast-paced online basketball game where players meet on virtual courts to challenge each other in a dynamic pick-up game environment, featuring cutting-edge music, fashions and gravity defying basketball moves. Developed by JC Entertainment Corp. Expected Release will be announced.

Vivendi Games Mobile

Vivendi Games Mobile builds off of the company’s current base of popular games sold by 70 mobile network operators across 40 countries, including the hugely successful Crash Bandicoot® franchise which has generated more than 1.5 million downloads to date.

Mobile games exhibited on the show floor include:

After Dark®: Flying Toaster™: Expected Release: Q2 2006
Navy Challenge™,/i>: Expected Release: Q2 2006
Black Hawk Down®: Team Sabre: Expected Release: Q3 2006
Red Baron®: Expected Release: Q3 2006

About Vivendi Games
Vivendi Games (www.vivendigames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is the leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPG) category, holds leading positions in the PC, console, handheld and mobile games markets, and is an emerging player in casual online games. Vivendi Games’ two principal studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment, headquartered in Irvine, CA, the creator of World of Warcraft®, Diablo®, StarCraft®, and Warcraft®; and Sierra Entertainment, headquartered in Los Angeles, which includes Radical Entertainment, Swordfish Studios, High Moon Studios, and Massive Entertainment. Sierra’s IPs include Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, SWAT®, Darkwatch™, Timeshift™, Ground Control® and Leisure Suit Larry®. Vivendi Games is also home to Vivendi Games Mobile, publishing games for the emerging mobile market, and Sierra Online, dedicated to publishing casual games for online play and distribution on all platforms. Vivendi Games maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment. The company has 16 offices around the world conducting business in 75 countries.

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Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox Live are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/ or other countries.

VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES ANNOUNCES MOBILE GAMES DIVISION

Mar, 07 2006 00:00:00 PST

Vivendi Universal Games (“VU Games”) announced today the formation of a new division, Vivendi Universal Games Mobile (“VUG Mobile”), dedicated to publishing games for the emerging mobile games market. VU Games also named Paul Maglione, who moves from a major mobile games publisher, as President of VUG Mobile.

The new mobile unit is based in Meudon near Paris, France with regional headquarters for North America in Los Angeles and for Asia-Pacific in Singapore. It will operate under the leadership of Paul Maglione, reporting into Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, VU Games.

“Mobile gaming continues to grow exponentially as broadband cellular networks roll out, consumer awareness increases, and handsets become more robust graphically,” said Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, VU Games. “We are therefore particularly pleased to enter this segment led by world-class management and development teams, with proven success in development and porting, a string of top-selling, premium-branded titles already in the catalog, and a very strong pipeline of innovative product in development.”

In addition to three Crash Bandicoot® titles, other top-selling VUG Mobile franchises in the market include two Spyro® the Dragon titles, and two titles in the iconic Leisure Suit Larry® series. Recent new additions to the VUG Mobile line-up are SWAT® Force, based on the best-selling VUG PC franchise; and strategy title Empire Earth® Mobile. VUG Mobile will be demonstrating several new games at upcoming industry events beginning with the Game Developers Conference (“GDC Mobile”) on March 20-21, CTIA Wireless, April 5-7, Mobile Content World Asia, April 4-6, and the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) at the Los Angeles Convention Center May 10-12.

“VU Games has already shown significant success in its mobile game offerings in Europe and North America, and I am excited about the opportunity to build from this foundation and help grow VUG Mobile into a global mobile gaming market leader which will play a major role in this industry,” stated Paul Maglione, President, VUG Mobile. “Our plan is to leverage our relationships within the Vivendi Universal family and harness our original IP catalog as well as seek fresh concepts from the wider development community to create the most entertaining games for mobile gamers worldwide.”

VUG Mobile will build off its current base of popular games sold by 70 mobile network operators across 40 countries, including the hugely successful Crash Bandicoot franchise which has generated more than 1.5 million downloads to date. VUG Mobile’s portfolio will leverage cross-marketing opportunities with current VU Games titles; exploit VUG’s back catalogue of classic games; publishing culturally relevant titles for specific geographies; and source high-profile entertainment licenses and mainstream content appealing to a wide range of mobile gamers.

About Paul Maglione
Maglione brings over 20 years of media and entertainment experience to Vivendi Universal Games, covering print, television, the Internet and mobile media, and will lead Vivendi Universal Games’ efforts in the mobile market worldwide. Prior to joining Vivendi Universal Games as President of Vivendi Universal Games Mobile (“VUG Mobile”), he served as Senior Vice President of Publishing and Marketing at I-Play. Prior to his appointment with I-Play, he held senior marketing positions with CNN, Turner Broadcasting, NBC Europe and in the consumer goods industry.

About VUG Mobile
VUG Mobile has current game offerings live across 70 operators in 40 countries. These titles include: Crash Nitro Kart, Crash Twinsanity™, Crash Tag Team Racing, Spyro Ripto Quest, Spyro the Dragon, Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude, Leisure Suit Larry: Sexy Pinball, Empire Earth and SWAT Force. The company is a subsidiary of Vivendi Universal Games. For further information, visit www.vugames.com.

About Vivendi Universal Games
Vivendi Universal Games (www.vugames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is a leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category, holds leading positions in the PC, console and handheld games markets, and is an emerging player in mobile and wireless games. Its development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment®, Radical Entertainment, Sierra® Entertainment, Massive Entertainment™, Swordfish Studios and High Moon Studios. VU Games’ library of over 700 titles features owned intellectual properties including Warcraft®, StarCraft®, Diablo® and World of Warcraft® from Blizzard Entertainment; Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, Leisure Suit Larry® and Ground Control® from Sierra Entertainment. VU Games also maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox and Ludlum Entertainment.

VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES ACQUIRES HIGH MOON STUDIOS

Jan, 05 2006 00:00:00 PST

Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced that it has completed the purchase of leading independent developer, High Moon Studios. Under the agreement, VU Games will retain High Moon’s team of more than 100 development professionals, as well as rights to the studio’s intellectual properties. John Rowe, president and CEO of High Moon, will continue to manage the studio from its state-of-the-art facility located in Carlsbad, CA. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“VU Games and High Moon are already collaborating on a soon-to-be-announced project based on a major entertainment license,” said Bruce Hack, CEO of VU Games. “Our acquisition of the studio is another major step forward in building the company’s position as a leader in next generation console games.”

Over the past year, High Moon earned numerous accolades for its development accomplishments. In December, High Moon was named among the “Top 50 Technology Innovators of 2005” by IT Week for applying Agile Methodology to its development of next-generation games. The studio’s adoption of the innovative R&D method also earned it a “2005 Workplace Excellence Award” from the San Diego chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. High Moon’s critically acclaimed first-person shooter Darkwatch has been recognized with several art and animation awards, including five Davey Awards, two Aurora Awards and a Telly.

“High Moon has assembled an experienced team of development professionals who are passionate about creating compelling interactive entertainment for audiences around the world,” said John Rowe, president and CEO, High Moon Studios. “We are happy to be a part of Vivendi Universal Games, and we believe that the acquisition is a very positive step for the growth of our studio.”

High Moon Studios, LLC was represented in this transaction by Daniel H. Petree of P2 Partners, and by ECA Securities, LLC, an affiliate of Europlay Capital Advisors, LLC.

About High Moon Studios
Headquartered in the coastal city of Carlsbad in San Diego County, California, High Moon Studios employs more than 100 game developers at a state-of-the-art, fully equipped game development facility. High Moon is best known for its critically acclaimed first-person shooter "Darkwatch,” and is currently working on additional original properties for next-generation video game consoles. For more information on High Moon Studios, please visit www.highmoonstudios.com. For more information and a dedicated forum on “Darkwatch,” please visit the official web site at www.darkwatch.com.

About Vivendi Universal Games
Vivendi Universal Games (www.vugames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is a leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category, holds leading positions in the PC, console and handheld games markets, and is an emerging player in mobile and wireless games. Its development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment®, Radical Entertainment, Sierra® Entertainment, Massive Entertainment™ and Swordfish Studios. VU Games’ library of over 700 titles features owned intellectual properties including Warcraft®, StarCraft®, Diablo® and World of Warcraft™ from Blizzard Entertainment; Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, Leisure Suit Larry™, Ground Control® and Tribes®. VU Games also maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox, and Ludlum Entertainment.

VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES AND EMPIRE INTERACTIVE EXTEND EXCLUSIVE NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT TO INCLUDE NEW LINE OF CASUAL GAMES

Sep, 29 2005 00:00:00 PDT

Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) and Empire Interactive (“Empire”), an AIM-listed U.K. computer games developer and publisher, today announced that they have signed an exclusive North American distribution agreement.

Under the contract, VU Games will market and distribute Empire’s new line-up of casual games for PC and console. These titles include all-new releases such as Mashed: Drive to Survive, Pro Pinball and Victorious Boxers. Additionally, VU Games will distribute several games from Empire’s back-catalogue of successful PC games, including Space Invaders, Bad Boys 2 and the Pro Pinball series.

The games will start shipping in North America in October 2005.

Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire, commented, “We have worked with VU Games many times in the past and teaming up with them on this multi-platform project was a natural decision particularly given the strengths of their Value Line Publishing Group. We believe VU Games has the right distribution know-how and market presence in North America to ensure these titles achieve the best level of exposure needed to promote healthy sales.”

“VU Games has enjoyed a successful partnership with Empire since 2001, and we believe that our newly signed distribution agreement is a strong testament to VUG’s marketing and distribution capabilities,” said Philip W. O’Neil, Chief Operating Officer and President of North America for Vivendi Universal Games. “We look forward to working with Empire on the launch of new products for the casual games market this fall.”

About Empire Interactive
Empire Interactive is a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software that has been established for 18 years. The company floated on AIM, part of the London Stock Exchange in July 2000. Headquartered in the UK, Empire Interactive also has offices in the US, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. The Company develops and publishes a varied range of titles for all current platforms in the US, Europe and Asia. Games such as Starsky & Hutch, Big Mutha Truckers, Ford Racing and FlatOut have all enjoyed success across the world. Its budget label, Xplosiv, is one of the fastest growing in Europe. Further information about Empire Interactive and its products can be found at: http://www.empireinteractive.com

About Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games)
Vivendi Universal Games (www.vugames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is a leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category, and also holds leading positions in the PC, console and handheld games markets. Its development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment®, Sierra Entertainment®, Radical Entertainment™, Massive Entertainment™ and Swordfish Studios. VU Games’ library of over 700 titles features owned intellectual properties including Warcraft®, StarCraft®, Diablo® and World of Warcraft® from Blizzard Entertainment; Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, Leisure Suit Larry™, Ground Control® and Tribes®. VU Games also maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox and Ludlum Entertainment

VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES SIGNS EXCLUSIVE AGREEMENT TO PUBLISH GAMES BASED ON ROBERT LUDLUM’S BEST-SELLING WORKS

Aug, 10 2005 00:00:00 PDT

Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced that it has inked an exclusive global agreement to publish games based on the literary works of Robert Ludlum, the acclaimed international thriller novelist whose books have sold more than 290 million copies worldwide and spawned the theatrical box office hits, The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy.

The long-term contract grants VU Games rights to develop, publish and distribute multi-platform games based on the author’s best-selling series and related films, including Bourne and Covert One. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to launch a new line of games inspired by some of the most exciting spy-action franchises ever created,” said Bruce Hack, CEO of VU Games. “The interest in Robert Ludlum’s works is enormous, as evidenced by the worldwide popularity and commercial success of his books and movies. VU Games intends to aggressively establish Ludlum as a top tier games brand with high-quality franchises poised to go head-to-head with other major spy-action games in the industry.”

“Properties like Bourne and Covert One naturally lend themselves to video games, and we are excited to bring Robert Ludlum's stories to life in a way that has never been done before," said Jeffrey M. Weiner, CEO of Ludlum Entertainment. "Our long-term partnership with VU Games underscores our belief in the creativity and vision that the development team will bring to these exciting new projects.”

Product information on the Robert Ludlum titles published by VU Games will be released at a later date.

Boesky & Company in conjunction with Henry Morrison, Inc. represented Ludlum Entertainment on the publishing agreement with VU Games.

About Vivendi Universal Games
Vivendi Universal Games (www.vugames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is a leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category, holds leading positions in the PC, console and handheld games markets, and is an emerging player in mobile and wireless games. Its development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment®, Radical Entertainment, Sierra® Entertainment, Massive Entertainment™ and Swordfish Studios. VU Games’ library of over 700 titles features owned intellectual properties including Warcraft®, StarCraft®, Diablo® and World of Warcraft™ from Blizzard Entertainment; Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, Leisure Suit Larry™ and Ground Control®. VU Games also maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal, Twentieth Century Fox and Ludlum Entertainment.

VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES’ WIRELESS DIVISION EXTENDS NEW MOBILE GAME OFFERINGS IN EUROPE AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

Jul, 18 2005 00:00:00 PDT

Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced that its newly formed wireless division will launch five new mobile games based on its popular global franchises. The first two games, Sierra Entertainment’s SWAT® Force and Larry’s™ Sexy Pinball, will be available to consumers starting in July 2005. The other three titles will also launch in 2005; additional details will be announced at a later date. WonderPhone will distribute all five games in Europe, South and Central America, Africa, New Zealand, Singapore, Kuwait, Bahrain and Fiji. VU Games will also launch the five titles in North America shortly following.

“Our mobile games are easy to learn and a lot of fun for consumers who want portable interactive entertainment,” said Cindy Cook, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer for VU Games. “VU Games’ entry into the wireless games market in Europe has been very well received, as evidenced by the sales of Crash Bandicoot which has already sold more than 700,000 units. We are pleased to extend other best-selling franchises to mobile gamers around the world.”

Two new mobile titles from Sierra Entertainment will launch this month:

SWAT® Force is a tactical squad game based on the popular SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) franchise, which has sold more than two million units in the PC games market. New to the mobile platform, SWAT Force demands the same degree of tactical finesse as the PC version and features seven authentic crisis situations. Established in the early 1970’s in Los Angeles, SWAT is a rapid intervention police force that handles the most delicate crises such as hostage and terrorist situations.

Larry’s™ Sexy Pinball is a wild pinball game based on the hugely successful Leisure Suit Larry franchise. Larry’s Sexy Pinball is the sequel to Leisure Suit Larry™: Magna Cum Laude distributed by WonderPhone in November 2004. This time around, Larry will attempt to seduce beautiful women on a wild pinball table designed by Larry himself. Authentic pinball action and Larry’s unique humor are presented in this classic arcade game. Leisure Suit Larry is one of the well-known characters in the video game industry, whose lovable humor has struck a chord with gamers for more than two decades.

VU Games’ current mobile games offerings are live across 70 operators in 40 countries through a current distribution agreement with WonderPhone. These titles include: Crash Nitro Kart, Spyro Ripto Quest, Leisure Suite Larry: Magna Cum Laude and Crash Twinsanity.

About Wonderphone
Headquartered in Paris, Wonderphone (www.wonderphone.com) is a leading provider of video and interactive entertainment for mobile phones. The video division of Wonderphone is the leading European provider of video bouquets for mobiles and has secured the exclusive rights for more than one million branded, original and alternative mobile-specific video clips. Wonderphone today runs 25 video channels and provides an end-to-end solution for publishing video for mobile. Wonderphone operates the video portals of several major European operators. The games division of Wonderphone distributes a portfolio of java blockbusters games. WonderPhone has signed an exclusive international master distribution deal with Vivendi Universal Games for mobile gaming. WonderPhone has an extensive distribution network in place with major operators and Internet Download Service Providers including: Vodafone Global (33 countries), Telefonica, SFR, 3, T-Mobile International (5 countries), Orange Group (5 countries), O2, Amena, Optimus, Jamba!, Inpoc/Aspiro and MediaPlazza.

About Vivendi Universal Games
Vivendi Universal Games (www.vugames.com) is a global developer, publisher and distributor of multi-platform interactive entertainment. The company is a leader in the subscription-based massively multi-player online (MMO) games category, holds leading positions in the PC, console and handheld games markets, and is an emerging player in mobile and wireless games. Its development studios and publishing labels include Blizzard Entertainment®, Radical Entertainment, Sierra® Entertainment, Massive Entertainment™ and Swordfish Studios. VU Games’ library of over 700 titles features owned intellectual properties including Warcraft®, StarCraft®, Diablo® and World of Warcraft™ from Blizzard Entertainment; Crash Bandicoot®, Spyro The Dragon®, Empire Earth®, Leisure Suit Larry™, Ground Control® and Tribes®. VU Games also maintains strategic relationships with industry leading content partners, including Universal Music Group, NBC Universal and Twentieth Century Fox.