Jolt teams up with Turbine to answer Asheron’s Call® in Europe
Acquires European distribution rights for Asheron’s Call and AC2: Fallen Kings®; demonstrations at Game Stars Live
For release on Monday 30th August 2004, 13:25
London, UK - 30th August, 2004 - Jolt Online Gaming, Europe's largest independent online gaming network, is pleased to announce it has signed an exclusive agreement with Turbine Entertainment Software, a premier provider of online subscription services, for the right to host, operate, market, distribute and support Asheron's Call® and Asheron's Call 2: Fallen Kings® online services in Europe.
The deal marks an important step forward in Jolt's business operations and reaffirms its position as a leader in the provision of online gaming services in Europe and a dynamic, strategically expanding company in the fast moving market.
"We're very excited about the prospect of handling the Asheron's Call and Fallen Kings operations in Europe," said Jolt's CEO, Dominic Silk. "With this deal we will strengthen and grow both of these great worlds in cooperation with Turbine."
Asheron's Call is a critically acclaimed franchise that brings thousands of players together within dynamic, ever evolving online fantasy worlds. The original title and service launched in 1999 and has since spawned two expansion packs, Dark Majesty in 2001 and Throne of Destiny, which is currently scheduled for launch in 2005. The graphically ground breaking Asheron's Call 2: Fallen Kings launched in 2002, marking the first sequel to a 3D MMORPG. The Asheron's Call franchise is best known for its thriving online communities and rich episodic updates, produced by Turbine, that add new additional game features, dungeons, trophy items, hunting areas and storyline content the games on a regular basis.
"Online gaming continues to grow in Europe and we recognize the importance of Europe in our future," said Jeffrey Anderson, president and CEO, Turbine Entertainment Software. "Jolt is the best choice to provide European players with the same levels of access, connectivity, and customer support that our North American players enjoy. "
Initially Jolt will concentrate on the launch of AC1 and migration of AC2 servers and infrastructure, with the final transfer of online billing expected to take place within the year.
As part of its Game Stars Live line-up, Jolt will be demonstrating both games at stand G9 in the main hall.
About Turbine Entertainment Software Corp.
Headquartered in Westwood, Mass., Turbine Entertainment Software Corp. is a premier provider of online subscription entertainment. With studios on two coasts, the company is the largest privately-held online games studio in North America. Turbine's proprietary technology, the Turbine Engine®, generates some of the most sophisticated 3D graphics in persistent world games, producing such memorable projects as Asheron's Call®, Asheron's Call: Dark Majesty® and Asheron's Call 2: Fallen Kings®. Turbine is currently producing The Lord of the RingsTM: Middle-EarthTM Online and Dungeons & Dragons® Online. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.turbinegames.com.
About Jolt Online Gaming
Launched in October 1999, jolt.co.uk is Europe's largest and most popular privately owned and independent online gaming network - with over 1000 game servers online. Utilising a multi-gigabit network that consistently outperforms its competitors, jolt is the network of choice for serious gamers and games companies alike.
In addition to providing superior internet connectivity, hosting, infrastructure and management jolt was the pioneer and is also the World leader in the supply of rentable servers to clans. As well as its' public gaming servers jolt also provides tailored solutions for game developers, publishers and companies. These range from High Performance Leased Lines through to 24/7, fully managed, game server solutions for clients in both the First Person Shooter and Massively Multiplayer genres.
TURBINE, Asheron's Call, Asheron's Call Dark Majesty, Fallen Kings, Turbine Engine and Throne of Destiny are registered trademarks or trademarks of Turbine Entertainment Software Corporation in the United States or other jurisdictions. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contacts:
Dominic Silk
Jolt Online Gaming Ltd.
Jason Wonacott
Turbine Entertainment Software
(781) 407-4153