Electronic Arts Announces Kuju Entertainment Partnership
Full steam ahead for advanced train simulator game.
Electronic Arts (Nasdaq:ERTS), the world's leading interactive entertainment software company, today announced a strategic partnership with Kuju Entertainment (LSE AIM: KUJ) to enable it to develop a new train simulator PC game for release in Europe in 2006. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Rail Simulator* will offer the opportunity for players to take charge of steam, diesel and electric trains on real routes in the UK and Germany. Challenging and fun gameplay will even enable players to design their own ideal journey routes.
Kuju Entertainment previously developed Microsoft Train Simulator, which sold a million copies and inspired third-party companies to develop over 40 expansion packs.
"Our previous release showed the massive and sustainable appetite for train simulator games with add-ons still being released regularly. EA's enthusiastic involvement and powerful distribution will allow us to bring the next generation of train games to the mass market. Rail Simulator* will be based on an entirely new game engine, providing new levels of immersion and allowing enthusiasts to get even closer to the experience of driving their favourite locomotives," said Jonathan Newth, Managing Director, Kuju Entertainment.
Paul Jackson, Managing Director Northern Region, Electronic Arts, said, "We're proud to support a pioneer in simulator games in bringing a totally new title to market. Rail Simulator* will offer stunning 3D graphics and a totally realistic experience. Players will be able to enjoy a wide range of train environments; from the drama and romance of steam to the sheer power and sophistication of the latest high-speed locomotives."
For more information, please go to www.railsimulator.com.
*working title only
Rail Simulator* will offer the opportunity for players to take charge of steam, diesel and electric trains on real routes in the UK and Germany. Challenging and fun gameplay will even enable players to design their own ideal journey routes.
Kuju Entertainment previously developed Microsoft Train Simulator, which sold a million copies and inspired third-party companies to develop over 40 expansion packs.
"Our previous release showed the massive and sustainable appetite for train simulator games with add-ons still being released regularly. EA's enthusiastic involvement and powerful distribution will allow us to bring the next generation of train games to the mass market. Rail Simulator* will be based on an entirely new game engine, providing new levels of immersion and allowing enthusiasts to get even closer to the experience of driving their favourite locomotives," said Jonathan Newth, Managing Director, Kuju Entertainment.
Paul Jackson, Managing Director Northern Region, Electronic Arts, said, "We're proud to support a pioneer in simulator games in bringing a totally new title to market. Rail Simulator* will offer stunning 3D graphics and a totally realistic experience. Players will be able to enjoy a wide range of train environments; from the drama and romance of steam to the sheer power and sophistication of the latest high-speed locomotives."
For more information, please go to www.railsimulator.com.
*working title only