NCsoft/Ubisoft deal
Distribution alliance forged for French language versions of Lineage II, Aion et al.
Wednesday 6th August, Brighton, UK/...NCsoft® Europe ( http://www.plaync.com) the world’s leading developer and publisher of online games announced today a distribution deal with leading videogames publisher Ubisoft ( http://www.ubisoftgroup.com), to exclusively distribute the French language retail box of NCsoft’s upcoming releases, including Aion®: The Tower of Eternity. The agreement also includes the distribution of NCsoft’s most successful and longest running title, Lineage® II: The Chaotic Throne, a title that has reached over 17 million players worldwide. The Ubisoft distribution network will ensure high visibility of these titles in France and French speaking parts of Switzerland and Belgium.
Set within a fantasy world, Aion: The Tower of Eternity ( http://www.aiononline.com) is focused on the conflict between two playable factions, the Elyos and Asmodians, and an NPC-controlled race, the Balaur. Aion presents players with a unique gaming world, wherein the habitable areas are on the inside of a split globe. This world, once connected by the Tower of Eternity, has somehow survived an ancient cataclysm which shattered the tower and tore their world in two, leaving a void known as the Abyss floating between them. Many years after this catastrophe, the Elyos and Asmodians discover portals leading to the Abyss, and it is here that an epic conflict begins, as players take their first steps on a journey to bring salvation to their world and wreak their revenge on those whom they deem responsible for the cataclysm.
“Our partnership with Ubisoft France takes advantage of their immense publishing and distribution strength at retail,” commented Max Heath-Brown, European Director of Sales and Operations at NCsoft Europe. “Having such an extensive portfolio, Ubisoft has demonstrated an active knowledge of gamers and their expectations. This understanding ensures top placement for NCsoft’s most ambitious titles to date.”
“We are really glad to work with NCsoft, the world's leading developer and publisher of online games”, added Geoffroy Sardin, Managing Director of Ubisoft France. “This distribution agreement will enable us to increase significantly our expertise on the online games market, to reinforce our portfolio and to bring top quality MMO games to all the fans in France”.
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About NCsoft Europe
NCsoft Europe (NCE) is headquartered in Brighton, United Kingdom and is wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea-based NCsoft Corporation, the world's leading developer and publisher of online games. NCsoft operates publishing offices within North America, Japan, Taiwan, China and Thailand and has development studios in Seattle, Austin, California (North America) and Seoul (Korea). NCE recently announced the formation of the first European development studio, based within the UK.
NCE began operations on 1st September 2004 and serves as a central hub for all NCsoft sales, marketing and distribution operations in Europe, via its European distribution network. The company has successfully launched multiple online titles and continues to support its franchises, which include Lineage II (November 2004), City of Heroes (4th February 2005), Guild Wars (28th April 2005), City of Villains (31st October 2005), Guild Wars Factions (28th April 2006), Guild Wars Nightfall (27th October 2006), Guild Wars: Eye of the North (31st August 2007) and Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa (2nd November 2007). More information about NCsoft Europe can be found at http://eu.plaync.com.
About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 25 countries and sales in 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2007-08 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of 928 million Euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com
NCsoft, the interlocking NC logo, PlayNC, Aion: The Tower of Eternity, City of Heroes, City of Villains, Guild Wars, Guild Wars Factions, Guild Wars Nightfall, Guild Wars: Eye of the North, Guild Wars 2, Lineage, The Chaotic Throne, Richard Garriott’s Tabula Rasa and all associated logos and designs are trademarks or registered trademarks of NCsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.