Hip Games(tm) Signs Tom Savini For George A. Romero's "City Of The Dead"
Horror Icon to Provide Likeness and Voice-Over in George A. Romero's Survival Zombie Shooter
Toronto, CANADA - May 11, 2005 - Hip GamesTM today announced that they have signed horror icon Tom Savini to appear in the previously unnamed "City of the Dead" video game. Developed by Kuju Entertainment and set in the George A. Romero universe, "City of the Dead" will be released on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PC CD-ROM in spring 2006.
Tom Savini, star of "From Dusk Till Dawn" and a noted horror makeup artist, is cast in a pivotal role in "City of the Dead." Savini will bring his instantly recognizable voice and likeness to William "Red" McLean, a battle-worn ex-law enforcement officer who is a survivor to the core. Savini's character will initially provide fire support in the game then be playable, allowing gamers to experience the game through the eyes of "Red."
"We are incredibly pleased that Mr. Savini has agreed to lend his talent to our upcoming release, 'City of the Dead'," said Arindra Singh, President & Chief Executive Officer of Hip Interactive Corp. "His legendary make-up artistry and theatrical roles have securely embedded him in the Romero Universe. We are honored to have him on board!"
"I feel like an assassin. I load up my car with my essentials and go off to strange places and kill people, and things...in movies," said Tom Savini from his Pittsburgh home. "It makes sense for me now to do it in a new strange place....a video game. My first video game and a whole new arena to fulfill my reputation, my legend, as the king of splatter in the bloodiest gore fest in gaming... 'City of the Dead.'"
"City of the Dead" begins as four desperate survivors escape a ravaged zombie infested city by helicopter. After making it to the remote island of Isla Mortal, an accident destroys their only means of escape. Unbeknown to them the island is home to a top secret military installation, overrun by the walking dead. Armed with an arsenal of traditional and futuristic weaponry, players must battle the living dead from dusk 'till dawn in series of abandoned locales. With split-screen co-op missions, party mode, and four-player online feature, "City of the Dead" also promises a range of multiplayer features that allow gamers to play as human or zombie.
Hip will unveil the first build of "City of the Dead" featuring William "Red" McLean behind closed doors next week during E3. Hip Interactive is located in the Concourse Hall at booth 5013.
About Hip Interactive Europe ( www.hip-europe.com ) :
Hip Interactive Europe is a full subsidiary of Hip Interactive (TSX: HP). Hip Interactive is a publisher and distributor of videogames and accessories for interactive leisure. With its headquarters in Marseilles (France), Hip Interactive Europe publishes and distributes videogames on all the European territories as well as other PAL territories. Hip Interactive Europe is present on all the main platforms: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox and Game Boy Advance. Hip Interactive Europe produces games based on its own brands but also on licences coming from the most important Hollywood Majors such as The Mummy The Animated series from Universal or Garfield from PAWS.
About Hip GamesTM
Hip GamesTM, Hip Interactive's publishing division, leverages the Company's existing distribution infrastructure to move up the video game supply chain. Hip has entered into distribution and publishing arrangements with publishers and developers from around the world. The licenses give Hip the exclusive right to publish and/or distribute PC and video game titles in North America, with Hip Interactive Europe acting as the publishing and distributing arm of Hip GamesTM in Europe. As well, with the acquisition of ARUSH Entertainment, Hip has acquired all of ARUSH's rights to current projects, including the highly anticipated title Playboy: The MansionTM and Fear Factor: UnleashedTM video games.
About Hip Interactive Corp.
Hip Interactive (www.hipinteractive.com) is a leading provider of electronic entertainment products, including PC and video games, movies, video arcade games, and proprietary games, branded as Hip GamesTM, and accessories, branded as Hip GearTM. The Company distributes all first party products, including SCEA, Microsoft and Nintendo hardware, software and accessories, as well as third party licensed video game software. With offices across North America and in Europe, Hip uses its distribution business to leverage into higher margin, higher growth areas of the electronic entertainment industry, such as licensing, publishing and its proprietary games and accessories. Hip Interactive trades on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "HP".
City of the DeadTM and (C) Hip Interactive. All rights reserved.
"George A. Romero Presents City of the Dead" in association with Living Dead Productions
For more info contact derek@hip-europe.com