"Halo(TM)" Goes Mobile
IN-FUSIO Inks Worldwide Deal with Microsoft's Bungie Studios to Bring Popular Gaming Franchise to Mobile Phones
CTIA Wireless - San Francisco - Sept. 27, 2005 - IN-FUSIO, a global entertainment publisher and game services provider for mobile phones, announced today that the company will publish mobile applications based on the "HaloTM" franchise created by Bungie Studios, one of Microsoft's premiere first party game development studios. Extending an existing partnership with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), the agreement establishes IN-FUSIO as the worldwide mobile publisher for one of the most valuable properties in interactive entertainment.
The multi-year deal gives IN-FUSIO rights to develop and publish downloadable and embedded mobile applications based on the 'Halo' universe. To date, more than 14.3 million copies of Xbox® and PC titles based on the franchise have been sold. The most recent game accounted for $125 million in sales within the first 24 hours of release at retail, tallying the biggest single day gross for any type of entertainment property. Dedicated fans worldwide have logged more than 430 million hours playing the 'Halo' franchise online via the Xbox LiveTM service. The massive brand also includes toys, books, and the recently announced Universal Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox feature film.
"The 'Halo' franchise is an enormous force, conquering consoles, PC's, online play and soon the big screen," said Gilles Raymond, CEO, IN-FUSIO. "With IN-FUSIO as the mobile partner, the brand will now expand its reach to the millions of cell phone users around the world that make up the mobile community."
IN-FUSIO currently distributes its existing portfolio of more than 90 downloadable games and entertainment applications for mobile phones via 130 wireless carriers and portals worldwide. The company's publishing network reaches more than 50 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, South America and Africa and more than 17 million people enjoy IN-FUSIO's applications and services.
"This partnership is first and foremost a creative one focused on delivering mobile applications true to the 'Halo' universe," said Julian Corbett, Vice President, Business Development and Brand Partnerships, IN-FUSIO. "We are dedicated to expanding the franchise in ways that will be exciting for existing fans as well as delivering a fun and satisfying experience for a whole new audience."
The first 'Halo' based mobile applications will be available later this year via carriers in North America with other territories to follow shortly thereafter. IN-FUSIO currently publishes mobile games based on Microsoft's Midtown Madness® 3, Zoo Tycoon® 2, Age of Empires® 2, Banjo-Kazooie®, SabreWulf® and It's Mr. Pants® videogames.
About IN-FUSIO
IN-FUSIO is a leading international mobile entertainment company, publishing games and applications for cell phones and delivering players' community management services.
IN-FUSIO applications are enjoyed and available through 130 carriers and portals worldwide. The company's portfolio includes licensed games based on Microsoft's Age of Empires® 2, Midtown Madness® 3 and Zoo Tycoon® 2, Neopets®, Twentieth Century Fox's I-Robot and Die Hard, Canal Studio Image's The TerminatorT, Suzuki®, Etch-A-Sketch®, Golden TeeT as well as original titles such as the award winning Shado Fighter and the IF Racing series.
IN-FUSIO has offices in Los Angeles (North American headquarters), Chicago, London, Bordeaux (global headquarters) and Shanghai. For more information, please visit www.in-fusio.com.
For further IN-FUSIO press inquiries, please contact:
Yann Mondon
VP of Brand & Communication
IN-FUSIO
Tel: +33 557 773 815
yann.mondon@in-fusio.com
Sarah Bedwell
Account Manager
MUSTARD PR
Tel: 01753 889100
Tel: 01753 889100
Tel: 01753 889100
sarah@mustardpr.com