Elixir Studios, as its highly anticipated first game Republic: the Revolution approaches completion, today made three announcements related to the company's future strategy, including: Elixir's next game; the appointment of a new CEO; and the completion of a $3 million equity investment.
Elixir confirms that the company has granted Vivendi Universal Games ('VU Games') exclusive worldwide publishing and distribution rights to its next game, titled 'Evil Genius'. Mid-way through development and slated for a fall 2004 release, Evil Genius is a PC-led, tongue-in-cheek reversal on the popular spy theme, allowing the gamer to play the part of an evil mastermind, bent on world domination.
"We are pleased to have entered into this partnership," stated Luc Vanhal, President and COO of VU Games, North America. "The talent and technology within Elixir, together with VU Games' strengths in publishing and distribution, is a strong combination that we feel will produce a very innovative and exciting experience for gamers in 2004".
Demis Hassabis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elixir, also announced that Mark Hewitt will take over his CEO duties with effect from June 2003. Demis will remain Chairman of the Board and continue with his role of Creative Director. Mark joins Elixir from Liberty Livewire, the largest provider of post-production services in the world, where he was President, Europe. Commenting on the appointment, Demis said:
"I am delighted that Mark has agreed to join Elixir. He brings a wealth of relevant experience from the more mature post-production industry, and I believe his knowledge and expertise will help drive our ambition of combining the best creativity with the greatest technology in order to deliver truly groundbreaking games. Appointing a new CEO allows me to shed one of my many roles, separate myself from the minute to minute management of Elixir, and focus more time on what I enjoy most - namely the design and creation of original, innovative games."
Elixir also confirmed today that the company had completed a $3 million equity fund-raising. The investment was led by Lynx Capital Ventures, a UK-based private equity fund that is backed by Virgin Media Group and Bear Stearns.
"We are very pleased to have a strong partner like Lynx invest in Elixir," said Keith Laslop, CFO of Elixir. "Their investment gives Elixir a strong foundation for future growth, allowing Elixir to invest in new technologies and concepts that will lead the next generation of games."
Kenneth Ibbett, Managing Partner at Lynx said: "Lynx is excited to be working with Elixir. In a strong but increasingly hits driven games market, our funds provide Elixir with a platform for growth. We are confident that Elixir has the ambition, creativity, and technology to deliver games that will define the market in the years ahead."
Elixir confirms that the company has granted Vivendi Universal Games ('VU Games') exclusive worldwide publishing and distribution rights to its next game, titled 'Evil Genius'. Mid-way through development and slated for a fall 2004 release, Evil Genius is a PC-led, tongue-in-cheek reversal on the popular spy theme, allowing the gamer to play the part of an evil mastermind, bent on world domination.
"We are pleased to have entered into this partnership," stated Luc Vanhal, President and COO of VU Games, North America. "The talent and technology within Elixir, together with VU Games' strengths in publishing and distribution, is a strong combination that we feel will produce a very innovative and exciting experience for gamers in 2004".
Demis Hassabis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elixir, also announced that Mark Hewitt will take over his CEO duties with effect from June 2003. Demis will remain Chairman of the Board and continue with his role of Creative Director. Mark joins Elixir from Liberty Livewire, the largest provider of post-production services in the world, where he was President, Europe. Commenting on the appointment, Demis said:
"I am delighted that Mark has agreed to join Elixir. He brings a wealth of relevant experience from the more mature post-production industry, and I believe his knowledge and expertise will help drive our ambition of combining the best creativity with the greatest technology in order to deliver truly groundbreaking games. Appointing a new CEO allows me to shed one of my many roles, separate myself from the minute to minute management of Elixir, and focus more time on what I enjoy most - namely the design and creation of original, innovative games."
Elixir also confirmed today that the company had completed a $3 million equity fund-raising. The investment was led by Lynx Capital Ventures, a UK-based private equity fund that is backed by Virgin Media Group and Bear Stearns.
"We are very pleased to have a strong partner like Lynx invest in Elixir," said Keith Laslop, CFO of Elixir. "Their investment gives Elixir a strong foundation for future growth, allowing Elixir to invest in new technologies and concepts that will lead the next generation of games."
Kenneth Ibbett, Managing Partner at Lynx said: "Lynx is excited to be working with Elixir. In a strong but increasingly hits driven games market, our funds provide Elixir with a platform for growth. We are confident that Elixir has the ambition, creativity, and technology to deliver games that will define the market in the years ahead."
Companies:
Elixir Vivendi
People: Demis Hassabis Keith Laslop Luc Vanhal Mark Hewitt
Games: Republic: The Revolution
People: Demis Hassabis Keith Laslop Luc Vanhal Mark Hewitt
Games: Republic: The Revolution