Atari's 'Driver' Franchise Set To Break New Ground In 2006
LONDON, UK - 17th May 2005 - The video game franchise that defines the action-driving genre and is the standard for interactive Hollywood car chases is back as Atari today announced that the next game in the Driver series is currently in development by its award-winning studio, Reflections Interactive.
The Driver brand is a global phenomenon that has achieved sales in excess of 11 million units worldwide. The new title is scheduled to ship in early 2006 for play on the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and personal computer.
"The approach, style and gameplay of the original Driver game spawned a multi-million selling global video game franchise that set the pace for the action driving genre explosion of recent times, " said Cyril Voiron, Marketing Director, Atari Europe. "For the return of the franchise that started it all, we are focusing on the key qualities that attract millions of fans to the Driver brand and make it the success that it is."
Without yet revealing details, the brand will return to its game play roots with a highly sophisticated, adrenaline-pumping car chase AI and unprecedented vehicle dynamics and physics. The new game is set in a photorealistic interpretation of New York City, features a seamless open mission structure integrated around a central storyline, and will be one of the first games of the genre to incorporate online play for console versions.
Information about Atari's current product line can be found at www.atari.com.
-ends-
About Infogrames Entertainment and Atari:
Infogrames Entertainment (IESA), the parent company of the Atari Group, is listed on the Paris Euronext stock exchange (ISIN code: FR-0000052573) and has two principal subsidiaries: Atari Europe, a privately-held company, and Atari, Inc., a United States corporation listed on NASDAQ (ATAR).
The Atari Group is a major international producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment software for all market segments and in all existing game formats (Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony) and on CD-ROM for PC. Its games are sold in more than 60 countries.
The Atari Group's extensive catalogue of popular games is based on original franchises (Driver, Alone in the Dark, V-Rally, Unreal Tournament, Test Drive, Roller Coaster Tycoon, etc.) and international licenses (Mission Impossible from Paramount, Men In Black, Superman, Matrix, Terminator and Dragon Ball Z).
For more information: http://www.atari.com
Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
"PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.