Reef Entertainment Scoops Free Running from Rebellion.
29th November 2006
For immediate release.
Reef Entertainment has secured the rights to major UK development company Rebellion's new extreme sports franchise Free Running on PS2 and PSP.
"This is a major coup for us" said Reef's CEO Peter Rezon, "Free Running or Le Parkour, as it's known in France, has been one of the fastest growing underground youth sports over the past two years, gaining massive popularity around the world."
Peter Rezon continues, "With a breakout into the mainstream for it's leading exponents and high profile recognition of the sport through films such as District 13, the new James Bond movie - Casino Royale and Madonna's music video for her Number 1 single 'Jump', everyone is beginning to see just how exciting this sport is. We are expecting great things from the game."
Rebellion acquired all rights to Free Running game along with the registered trademarks, through its acquisition of the former Core Design Studios in Derby from Eidos earlier in the year.
"We recognised the games potential immediately." said Chris Kingsley CTO of Rebellion, "Coupled with the feedback we received from focus groups and leading lights from the sport itself reinforces our conviction that Free Running will be a huge success."
Jason Kingsley CEO and Creative Director of Rebellion commented "Free Running is currently QA's favourite game, which is a very good sign. Some players have described it as 'Tony Hawks without the skateboard' if we get anywhere near that level of success, we'll be immensely pleased."
In addition to featuring characters based on the leading free runners in Europe, Free Running has been developed with the help of the sports brand specialist Adidas. Their Free Running apparel and high fashion training shoes all feature in-game.
Peter Rezon concludes; "The initial launch will take place across Europe in Q1 2007, with the US release coming shortly after that. The feedback from partners and distributors who have seen the game has been excellent and we expect to see significant sales from this release."
For more information on the Free Running game, visit www.freerunning.com
-ends-
Editors Notes
Reef Entertainment
Nurtured in the mind since the 90's and born into reality in early 2005, Reef Entertainment is based in new offices near the city of Milton Keynes. Established as a UK based computer games publishing company, Reef has been set up as a UK based independent studio-style organisation, not owned by or connected to any other major entertainment group, to provide Developers and Content Owners with a distinct and alternate route to markets worldwide.
Tel: +44 (0)1908 487 587
Fax: +44 (0)1908 487 501
Email: peter.rezon@reef-entertainment.com
Press: press@reef-entertainment.com
Website: www.reef-entertainment.co.uk
Rebellion
UK-based computer games super-developer Rebellion® was established in 1991 by brothers Jason and Chris Kingsley. 2006 releases include Miami Vice: The Game with Vivendi Games on PSP, James Bond: From Russia with Love with EA on PSP and Rogue Trooper® with Eidos on PlayStation®2, Xbox® and PC DVD. In June 2000 Rebellion® purchased the UK sci-fi comic 2000 AD® and its entire character portfolio.
In 2005, Sniper Elite was released with Namco and MC2, securing critical acclaim, global sales success and winning the TIGA Award for Best PC/Console Game 2005. Lauded as 'The Gran Turismo of war games' by the gaming press, it has built upon the collection of Rebellion®-owned IPs, which includes Rogue Trooper® and World War Zero®.
In June 2006, Rebellion® purchased the Core Design studios, responsible for the Lara Croft - Tomb Raider series, and Strangelite studios making it one of the biggest and most innovative studios within the European development community. In July 2006, Rebellion® was voted Most Improved Studio of 2006 by its industry peers in the Develop Industry Excellence Awards.
In September 2006, Rogue Trooper® the game was nominated for two BAFTA awards for Best Character and Best Screenplay.
Website: www.rebellion.co.uk
For further press information relating to the above companies, please contact:
Mr. Kristien Wendt
Head of Communications
Rebellion Development Ltd.
Tel (Main): +44(0)1865 200601
Tel (Mobile): +44(0)7876 252811
Fax: +44(0)1865 792254
Email: kristien@rebellion.co.uk