Atari secures videogame rights to latest animated feature film

Atari Interactive has announced the signing of a worldwide licensing agreement for the development, publishing and distribution of multi-platform videogames based on Arthur and the Minimoys.

Under the terms of the agreement with EuraCorp, Atari will develop videogames for the PlayStation 2, PSP, Nintendo DS, GameBoy Advance and Windows platforms, inspired by the forthcoming theatrical release of Arthur and the Minimoys; an animated feature film from renowned writer and director Luc Besson.

Atari Group Chairman Bruno Bonnell commented: "We are pleased and proud to take part in this international adventure and EuropaCorp's forthcoming film. Arthur and the Minimoys is sure to be an animation blockbuster. Technology will really bring out the sensitivity and energy of the world Luc Besson has created."

"By working with the film crew from day one, not only have we stayed extremely faithful to the film, but we have also developed parallel adventures specifically for the game, which should be popular with the public," Bonnell added.

Based on the original four-volume literary adventure penned by Luc Besson, Arthur and the Minimoys is currently in production, using a combination of 2D, 3D and real film footage.

Boasting the highest ever budget for a European animated film at USD 85 million, the feature will be supported by a USD 125 million global advertising campaign in preparation for its 2006 cinematic release. Atari's multi-platform videogames will be launched in conjunction with the movie.

"When you make a children's film, your primary intent is to introduce kids to a new world that is both fantastic and exciting. Atari's video game will keep the film's adventure alive by allowing players to step into the characters' shoes to explore and try to save the world of the Minimoys," Besson commented.