Turner To Launch GameTap Entertainment With Ubisoft's "Making-Of" Myst(R) V: End Of Ages Documentary
GameTap to Produce Exclusive Video Programming and Support Marketing Partnerships with Leading Game Publishers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATLANTA - August 30, 2005 - Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), a Time-Warner Company, announced the development of a behind-the-scenes documentary for Ubisoft's widely anticipated video game title: Myst® V: End of Ages. The documentary, which will be packaged with the Myst V: End of Ages Limited Edition disk as a bonus DVD, will explore the story behind Ubisoft's best-selling Myst franchise and focus on the creation of its final adventure.
"Gamers are like the toughest film fanatics: they want more than a technical look at the making of a game. They want to see the compelling story behind its creators, the challenges and triumphs of the creative process," said Michael Watchulonis, Executive Producer for GameTap Entertainment. "We at Turner have learned a lot over the years by producing signature original programming for CNN and Cartoon Network and are excited to apply these skills to the gaming industry - specifically an innovative, breathtaking and cinematic game like Myst V: End of Ages."
In addition to the Ubisoft project, GameTap Entertainment is producing an exclusive mix of magazine, reality, and lifestyle shows, interviews with the who's who of gaming, celebrity features, and all-new "game trailers" for the GameTap service. Delivered via streaming video, the programming will celebrate games in the same way that Cartoon Network celebrates animation and TNT celebrates drama.
"We looked at the level of quality the Turner programming team was bringing to GameTap and realized they would be a good partner to help us create exclusive bonus material for our Myst V: End of Ages release," said Jay Cohen, vice president of publishing for Ubisoft North America. "We're very excited about the project."
The partnership benefits Myst fans and GameTap subscribers in several ways. Consumers will receive a valuable special offer for a GameTap subscription via coupons within copies of Myst V: End of Ages. The GameTap service will premiere a shorter, "broadband version" of the making-of documentary to coincide with the retail release of Myst V: End of Ages. GameTap Entertainment will also produce a game trailer and a trailer showcasing the making-of documentary for the new title, which will be available to fans before it hits retail shelves.
"We're striving for the day when GameTap is as important a promotional partner to game publishers as TBS and TNT today are to movie studios," said Dan Riess, GameTap's Head of Marketing. "The partnership with Ubisoft on Myst V: End of Ages, is a first step and we hope to announce similar partnerships with other publishers in the near future."
GameTap is a first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network that offers games-on-demand plus original programming via a broadband-connected PC. Both GameTap and Myst V: End of Ages debut fall 2005.
About Turner
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment products around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.
About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified lineup of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. Ubisoft is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 538 million for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, an increase of 8 percent over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
® 2005 Ubisoft Entertainment and TGN, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Based on Myst® and Riven® created by Cyan Worlds, Inc. ® Cyan Worlds, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. D'niTM, Cyan®, and Myst® are trademarks of Cyan, Inc. and Cyan Worlds, Inc. under license to Ubisoft Entertainment. Developed by Cyan Worlds, Inc.