Gameloft Secures Mobile Game Rights for “Mission: Impossible III”
NEW YORK - Gameloft, a leading developer and publisher of games for mobile phones, today announced it has signed an exclusive agreement with Viacom Consumer Products, Inc. to develop, publish and distribute the wireless game version of one of the most highly anticipated action adventure films of the year, "Mission: Impossible III," starring Tom Cruise and directed by J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Alias"). The film is produced by Cruise and Paula Wagner.
With exclusive gaming rights, Gameloft will develop the "Mission: Impossible III" storyline into a mobile game and distribute it through Gameloft's extensive network of carriers, partners and its online store. The multi-year agreement reinforces Gameloft's strong position in mobile gaming and adds to the company's growing list of licenses with strong international brands.
"The 'Mission: Impossible' franchise makes for a very thrilling game and we are excited to be part of the creative process" said Michel Guillemot, CEO, Gameloft, "Gameloft is committed to making quality games and we are honored that Viacom has chosen to partner with us again."
This is the second partnership between Gameloft and Viacom Consumer Products, Inc. In 2005, Gameloft developed the mobile game for another Paramount Pictures' blockbuster, "War of the Worlds." The game was successfully launched in 75 countries across 150 carriers worldwide.
"Gameloft has proven once again to be a very dedicated and dynamic partner," said Sandi Isaacs, VP, Interactive at Viacom Consumer Products, Inc. "Their unique and innovative approach to designing and developing games have established them as a premier mobile games developer. We are confident that 'Mission: Impossible III' will provide a fun and entertaining gaming experience for fans and gamers alike."
Tom Cruise returns as Special Agent Ethan Hunt, who faces the mission of his life in "Mission: Impossible III." Director J.J. Abrams ("Lost," "Alias") brings his unique blend of action and drama to the billion-dollar franchise.
"Mission: Impossible III" will be released worldwide day and date with the film's premiere on May 5th, 2006. Visit the official movie website at www.missionimpossible.com .
Paramount Pictures presents a Cruise|Wagner production, "Mission: Impossible III." The film is directed by J.J. Abrams, from a screenplay written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & J.J. Abrams, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. The film is produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner. The film also stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Keri Russell, Maggie Q, and Laurence Fishburne.
About Gameloft
Gameloft is a leading international publisher and developer of video games for mobile phones. Established in 1999, it has emerged as one of the top innovators in its field. The company creates games for mobile handsets equipped with Java, Brew or Symbian technology. The total number of games-enabled handsets is anticipated to exceed two billion units in 2008.
Partnership agreements with leading licensors and sports personalities such as Ubisoft Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Viacom, FifPro, Lamborghini, Vans, Derek Jeter, Vijay Singh and Geoff Rowley allow Gameloft to form strong relationships with international brands. In addition to the partnerships, Gameloft owns and operates titles such as Block Breaker Deluxe, Asphalt: Urban GT and New York Nights.
Through agreements with major telephone wireless carriers, handset manufacturers, specialized distributors and its online shop, Gameloft has a distribution network in over 65 countries.
Gameloft has worldwide offices in New York, San Francisco, Montreal, Buenos Aires, Paris, London, Duesseldorf, Milan, Barcelona, New Delhi, Seoul, Beijing, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Gameloft is listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA)
For more information visit www.gameloft.com.
About Paramount Pictures
Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIAB), one of the world's largest entertainment and media companies and a leader in the production, promotion, and distribution of entertainment news, sports and music.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sanette Chao
Gameloft
212-994-2495
Sanette.chao@gameloft.com
David Waldman
VP, National Publicity
Paramount Pictures
323-956-5503
David_waldman@paramount.com