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Tag: Electronic Arts

  • Embracer Group acquires IP rights for LOTR, Hobbit literary works by JRR Tolkien

    Embracer Group acquires IP rights for LOTR, Hobbit literary works by JRR Tolkien

    Mumbai: Embracer Group through its wholly owned subsidiary Freemode, has entered into an agreement to acquire Middle-earth Enterprises. This is a division of The Saul Zaentz Company, which owns the intellectual property catalogue and worldwide rights to motion pictures, video games, board games, merchandising, theme parks and stage productions relating to the iconic fantasy literary works “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and “The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as matching rights to other Middle-earth-related literary works authorised by the Tolkien Estate and HarperCollins, which have yet to be explored.

    Key upcoming works set in Middle-earth, in which the enterprise has financial interests, include the much-anticipated Amazon series The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, which will premiere on 2 September 2022, is set thousands of years before The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings; the animated film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (Warner Bros), which will be released in 2024; and the mobile game “The Lord of the Rings: Heroes of Middle-earth” (Electronic Art).

    Other opportunities include exploring additional movies based on iconic characters such as Gandalf, Aragorn, Gollum, Galadriel, Eowyn, and other characters from the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and continuing to provide new opportunities for fans to explore this fictive world through merchandising and other experiences.

    The acquisition of the rights is in line with Embracer’s IP-driven transmedia strategy. “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” are among the world’s largest and most enduring iconic entertainment franchises and have birthed the fantasy genre.

    Middle-earth Enterprises will be a part of the newly founded operative group, Embracer Freemode. The company will continue to operate independently under the existing Middle-earth Enterprises leadership team, working closely with Embracer Freemode management and other Embracer operative groups to foster opportunities, growth, and synergies within the group to continue to build and expand the great franchise.

    “I am truly excited to have “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” one of the world’s most epic fantasy franchises, join the Embracer family, opening up more transmedia opportunities, including synergies across our global group. I am thrilled to see what lies in the future for this IP with Freemode and Asmodee as a start within the group. Going forward, we also look forward to collaborating with both existing and new external licensees of our increasingly stronger IP portfolio,” said Embracer Group founder and Group CEO Lars Wingefors.

    “We at the Zaentz Company have had the honour over the past half century of stewarding the Tolkien rights so that The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans worldwide could enjoy award-winning epic films, challenging video games, first-rate theatre and merchandise of every variety. We could not be more thrilled that it is Embracer now taking up the responsibility, and we are confident their group will take it to new heights and dimensions while maintaining homage to the spirit of these great literary works,” said The Saul Zaentz Company COO Marty Glick.

  • Game4u launches operations in Singapore and Malaysia

    Game4u launches operations in Singapore and Malaysia

    MUMBAI: Game4u, the specialist retailer of videogame products from Milestone Interactive Group, today announces the launch of its operations in Singapore and Malaysia. This expansion into the Southeast Asia market is a strategic move for Game4u and a step towards achieving its vision of becoming a leading global online retailer of videogames. With this venture, Game4u becomes India’s first and only videogame retail brand to tap the $18 billion (Source: Euromonitor) gaming industry within the Asia Pacific region.

     

    Game4u will provide more than 700 PC and MAC games from over 30 renowned publishers such as Aspyr Media, Deep Silver, Electronic Arts, Focus Home Interactive, Kalypso Media, Namco Bandai Games, Square-Enix, Take2 Interactive, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and many more via its download-to-own service to consumers in both the countries. Gamers can log onto the Game4u website to purchase games in their local currency in a few simple steps, thus making it Quick to Play. Additionally, they can look to enjoy exclusive features and promotions such as Gift a game, deals4u, pre-orders, Games under $10, Games under $20 etc.

     

    “Our goal is to be the top global games destination that offers the best-in-class products and services and provides a delightful consumer experience,” said Mr. Jayont R Sharma, Chairman and CEO, Milestone Interactive Group. “PC gaming is popular in Southeast Asia and we have taken a big step towards achieving our vision by being the first Indian gaming e-retailer to set a digital download store in the region.”

     

    “We plan to continue adding features and product categories and will also introduce our coveted loyalty program – Team Elite, to gamers in Singapore and Malaysia very soon,” added Mr. Jayont R Sharma.

     

    Singapore and Malaysia are key markets for Game4u and the company expects to grow in excess of 100% year on year with a double digit market share within the next 3 quarters leading to a revenues in excess of $4Mn (USD)  over the next three years. The company is also planning to expand in the region within the year and aims to set up operations in countries such as Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia.

     

    Game4u will provide variety of games and gaming accessories priced from $4.99 to $69.99, across categories and genres, and consumers can pay via popular credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover card and PayPal with a host of local options coming soon.

  • Vserv.mobi launches revolutionary AppWrapper.org

    Vserv.mobi launches revolutionary AppWrapper.org

    MUMBAI: Vserv.mobi, an award winning mobile advertising exchange across emerging markets, has announced the launch of AppWrapper.org, an innovative platform for Android app developers that automates the integration of multiple software development kits (SDKs) without any coding effort. The new AppWrapper is designed to enable crucial app development lifecycle services, such as ad monetisation, analytics, bug tracking and in-app purchases, in just one click, allowing app developers to significantly accelerate their time-to-market. 

     

    The new AppWrapper has been optimised for the Android platform given its status as one of the most widely accepted and used OS platforms. According to the latest mobile device report from IDC, Android dominates the market share in global smartphone shipments at more than 80 per cent. Estimates by IDC suggest that Android smartphone shipments grew by 51.3 per cent between Q3 2012 and Q3 2013. 

     

    “The new AppWrapper.org platform is based on the business insight that developers are integrating multiple SDKs into their apps, which often takes valuable time and effort that could have been spent improving the core functionality of the app instead,” said Vserv.mobi director – Global Marketing and Product Binay Tiwari. “AppWrapper.org aims to resolve this situation by offering developers a powerful platform to rapidly integrate multiple SDKs without any coding effort. While the original AppWrapper only enabled the Vserv.mobi ad SDK, with the launch of the new platform, we’re leveraging our patent-pending technology to help developers integrate multiple partner SDKs, with the same innovative one click approach.”

     

    Since its initial launch three years ago, AppWrapper has won many awards, including MMA Smarties, mBillionth, Red Herring Top 100 Asia, Mobby’s and others for its innovative technology. The AppWrapper has powered app monetisation for more than 20,000 apps and games, including those from Disney India, Electronic Arts, Gameloft, Herocraft and other top developers. The app works seamlessly in conjunction with any existing monetisation tool already integrated into the app to boost the revenues and capabilities of the app, without the developer having to worry about compatibility. 

     

    In addition to monetisation, the new AppWrapper is designed to automatically integrate multiple services such as analytics, bug tracking and user engagement, significantly reducing development cycles.

  • Electronic Arts shares surge 9 per cent on strong earnings

    Electronic Arts shares surge 9 per cent on strong earnings

    MUMBAI: Electronic Arts beat earnings expectations in the most recent quarter, the first since Larry Probst took over as CEO in March, and an accomplishment that sent its stock nine per cent higher in after-hours trading on Tuesday.

     

    The maker of video games said digital sales soared as revenue from packaged goods dropped during its fiscal first quarter.

     

    Still, the company reported a net loss of $121 million in the latest quarter on adjusted revenue that rose by a per cent to $495 million. On a per-share basis, Electronic Arts lost 40 cents while analysts predicted it would lose 60 cents.

     

    During the regular trading session on Tuesday, the stock fell by a per cent to $23.83. The stock surged more than $2 a share, though, after the closing bell.

     

    Among the highlights was a record quarter for sales of The Simpsons: Tapped Out. Also, FIFA 13 digital net revenue surged 92 per cent to top $70 million in the quarter.

     

    “EA had a solid quarter, driven by continued digital growth and disciplined cost management,” said Probst. “We are also executing on a clear set of goals for leadership on mobile, PC, current and next-generation consoles.”

     

    Probst was a former CEO who took back the position in March after John Riccitiello stepped down, blaming himself when the company fell short of certain financial goals.

  • Electronic Arts, Warner team up for Harry Potter game

    Electronic Arts, Warner team up for Harry Potter game

    MUMBAI: Electronic Arts and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment in the US have announced that the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix video game is in development. The game is scheduled for a July 2007 release to coincide with the film based on J.K. Rowling’s fifth book of the same title.

    EA UK executive producer Harvey Elliott says, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the first in the franchise that we have developed for the next generation consoles. Together with current generation versions, we are creating an immersive and, above all, faithful Harry Potter experience that will both accurately reflect the world showcased in the film and also delight fans of all ages.”

    Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment senior VP Jason Hall says, “Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans the most authentic Harry Potter game to date, one which captures the compelling story of the fiction and high visual quality of the movie. After reading the book and seeing the film, fans will be able to take advantage of the complete interactive experience with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix game.”

    The close and synergistic relationship between book, film and videogame is more defined in the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix videogame than ever before the two parties state. Players will be able to explore the many key locations within Hogwarts in minute detail, each one a visual match to its film equivalent, while being engrossed in the thrilling adventures outlined in the rich narrative of the book.

    In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry returns for his fifth year of study at Hogwarts and discovers that much of the wizarding community is in denial about the teenager’s recent encounter with the evil Lord Voldemort, preferring to turn a blind eye to the news that Voldemort has returned. Fearing that Hogwarts’ venerable Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, is lying about Voldemort’s return in order to undermine his power and take his job, the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, appoints a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher to keep watch over Dumbledore and the Hogwarts students.

    But Professor Dolores Umbridge’s Ministry-approved course of defensive magic leaves the young wizards woefully unprepared to defend themselves against the dark forces threatening them and the entire wizarding community, so at the prompting of his friends Hermione and Ron, Harry takes matters into his own hands. Meeting secretly with a small group of students who name themselves “Dumbledore’s Army,” Harry teaches them how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, preparing the courageous young wizards for the extraordinary battle that lies ahead.

    With the ability to play multiple characters, including Harry Potter, Dumbledore and Sirius Black, the video game offers fans the opportunity to wield a wand, explore all around Hogwarts.

  • EA releases World Cup game, announces renewed partnership with Fifa

    EA releases World Cup game, announces renewed partnership with Fifa

    MUMBAI: Electronic Arts has started to ship the 2006 Fifa World Cup game to stores around the world.

    The event’s only officially licensed videogame has developed enhanced gameplay attributes and graphics.

    Along with the release of 2006 Fifa World Cup, EA and Fifa announced the extension of their long-term partnership, making EA the worldwide and exclusive Fifa Licensee for soccer action games across all console platforms, mobile phones and online formats. The on-going partnership will allow EA to continue to bring World Cup gaming experiences to consumers, and includes games for the future World Cups in 2010 and 2014.

    “Renewing our strategic partnership with Fifa will enable us to continue to deliver the most authentic football titles to fans who have helped to make our Fifa games the most successful football videogame franchise in the world,” said EA’s Gerhard Florin, Executive Vice President and General Manager for International Publishing.

    In 2006 Fifa World Cup, users can step into the heart of the action as they play their favorite team or most loathed opponent. Featuring stunning visual representations of the world’s superstar players, gamers experience the 12 official stadiums as they take their team from qualification to glory. In addition to taking control of one of 127 national teams, players will enjoy groundbreaking new play modes. Global Challenge tests even the biggest soccer fanatic by recreating classic moments in Fifa World Cup history with modern teams. True champions can challenge their friends in eight-way multiplayer matches and take advantage of tremendous in-game un-lockable content such as legendary players and exclusive licensed football apparel.

    2006 Fifa World Cup is available in North America, Europe and Asia on PlayStation2, the Xbox and Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy, PC and mobile as well as the PSP (PlayStation Portable). The game is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB and has a PEGI rating of 3+.

    In India, the World Cup PC Game is priced at Rs 1,299 and the PlayStation2 and PSP games are priced at Rs 2,499 and Rs 2,999 respectively.

  • AEIM To honour Wright with ‘Hall of Fame Award’

    AEIM To honour Wright with ‘Hall of Fame Award’

    MUMBAI: The Association of Electronic Interactive Marketers (AEIM) has announced that The Sims creator Will Wright will be honoured with its first-ever Hall of Fame Award.

    As a recipient of the award, Wright will also make a speech at the inaugural MI6 Conference and Awards Show on 27 and 28 June 2006

    The award recognizes Wright’s career of creative achievements, which include SimCity released in 1989 and credited as one of the most influential computer games ever made. Following on its success, Wright designed numerous other “Sim” games and earned the reputation as a designer of “software toys”-games. In 2000, The Sims was released, surpassing all previous sales records and became the best-selling computer game of all time.

    Following such success it was no doubt that Wright was named one of the most important people in gaming, technology and entertainment by Entertainment Weekly, Time, PC Gamer and GameSpy.

    “Will Wright has had a revolutionary impact on the electronic games industry,” said MI6 and AEIM president & CEO Jim Chabin. “As our industry and millions of fans worldwide anxiously await what promises to be a spectacular experience with his newest creation, ‘Spore,’ our board felt that now was an excellent time to acknowledge this person’s impact on all of us.”

    The AEIM is a new non-profit, professional trade organization designed to support the video game industry’s marketers and related professionals.

    MI6 speakers and participants include a list of gaming and entertainment industry executives involved in participating in professional development seminars, educational workshops and keynote sessions. Companies onboard include Microsoft, G4, Xbox, Activision, THQ, Electronic Arts, MTV Networks/Spike TV, Midway Games and ABC Entertainment, among others.