Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 selected by Vodafone to drive mobile gaming across territories
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 distributed and co-marketed by Glu heads for deployment across operator's territories
London, UK - October 22, 2007 - Glu Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: GLUU), a leading global publisher of mobile games, Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and Vodafone have today announced that Konami's long anticipated Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 mobile game will be deployed across all of Vodafone's territories over the coming months. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 will be Vodafone's first 'Hero Game', as the operator continues to drive awareness and take-up of mobile gaming among its global subscriber base. The move will be supported with above and below the line promotion making use of co-marketing opportunities.
Suresh Sudera, Head of Games at Vodafone Group commented: "We are delighted to be working with Glu and Konami on launching our first ever hero title. Vodafone's 'Hero Game' programme sets out to launch market-leading titles for our customers across our footprint, maximising the co-marketing synergies brought by local operating companies, IP owners and retail channels."
"Glu prides itself on its close relationships with its carrier partners around the world and its ever-expanding global distribution network," said Jill Braff, senior vice president of global publishing, Glu. "We're excited to have Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 selected as Vodafone's Hero Game and to work with Vodafone Group to bring this title to its vast consumer base. Pro Evolution Soccer is a phenomenal franchise and as Vodafone's Hero Game, we will be able to raise the profile of mobile games among its subscribers and build a wider market for mobile gaming."
Florian Stronk, Head of Mobile Business Department at Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH, commented: "We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative that is not only supported by our company's mobile division, but also our console division."
Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 was developed and published by Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and will be distributed and co-marketed by Glu in EMEA, Australia and New Zealand. It is the first mobile soccer game that lets you play football your way with a unique one button control system perfected for mobile gaming. Defeat the opposition with a flowing short pass game, long up-field passes with pin-point accuracy or stunning attacking dribbles towards your opponent's goal. Featuring superb graphics and animation, accurate ball physics and incredible game play, Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 is the most playable and realistic football experience ever seen on mobile.
Vodafone intends to launch two hero titles every year. Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 was selected by Vodafone after extensive collaboration with its local markets and careful examination of the co-marketing, handset and promotional support offered by Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and Glu Mobile.
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About Glu Mobile
Glu (NASDAQ: GLUU) is a leading global publisher of mobile games. Its portfolio of top-rated games includes original titles Super K.O. Boxing!, Stranded and Brain Genius, and titles based on major brands from partners including Atari, Activision, Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH, Harrah's, Hasbro, Warner Bros., Microsoft, PlayFirst, PopCap Games, SEGA and Sony. Founded in 2001, Glu is based San Mateo, California and has offices in London, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Hong Kong, Beijing and Sao Paulo. Consumers can find high-quality, fresh entertainment created exclusively for their mobile phones wherever they see the 'g' character logo or at www.glu.com.
About KONAMI CORPORATION
KONAMI CORPORATION was established in 1973, and became a holding company on March 31, 2006. KONAMI CORPORATION covers the fields of "Digital Entertainment Business", "Health & Fitness Business" and "Gaming & System Business". KONAMI CORPORATION went public on Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, the Singapore Stock Exchange in 1997, the London Stock Exchange in 1999, and the New York Stock Exchange in 2002. Home Page URL: www.konami.co.jp. Konami has enjoyed phenomenal success with its Japanese mobile game portals. Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid®, Silent Hill® and Pro Evolution Soccer amongst other top sellers. For more information concerning Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and its products, please visit www.konami-europe.com/games. Its European mobile business started in 2004 and covers 46 territories. Since 2007 Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH is developing mobile content in Europe.
About Vodafone
Vodafone is the world's leading international mobile communications group with operations in 25 countries across 5 continents and 232 million proportionate customers at the end of June 2007, as well as 40 partner networks. For further information, please visit www.vodafone.com
Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements related to the anticipated release dates of the Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 mobile game. These forward-looking statements are subject to material risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Investors should consider important risk factors, which include: the risk that Glu may fail to successfully execute on the partnership with Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and Vodafone; the risk that the Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 mobile game may not be accepted by consumers as anticipated; and other risks detailed under the caption "Risk Factors" in Glu's most recent report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Glu is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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