Ubisoft signs agreement to publish Lumines for PSP™ handheld system
San Francisco - February 9, 2005 - Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's leading videogame publishers, announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with Bandai Company, Ltd. to publish Lumines for the PSPTM handheld entertainment system. The critically acclaimed music and luminary action puzzle Lumines is slated for release in the United States in March 2005 and was jointly developed by Bandai Company Ltd. and Q ENTERTAINMENT, under the creative direction of renowned developer Tetsuya Mizuguchi.
"Ubisoft is extremely excited to partner with Bandai and Q ENTERTAINMENT to bring Lumines for the PSP handheld system to consumers," said James Regan, director of new business development at Ubisoft. "Ubisoft delivers superior products that are immersive, exciting and unique, and Lumines is a natural fit for us."
Lumines brings a unique puzzle experience to PSP handheld system owners, offering gameplay reminiscent of Tetris while including new innovations and enhancements in technology that fuse music, puzzles and luminescence. Users are challenged to delete blocks from the game screen while grooving to evolving musical scores of rock, techno and pop grooves. Lumines offers numerous levels of graphics and music with single-player, wireless multi- player and bonus modes. Earn changeable skins and increase amount of collectible characters.
Since its December 2004 launch in Japan, Lumines has sold 40,000 units, becoming one of the most popular launch titles available for the PSP handheld system. The U.S. release of Lumines includes new enhancements including a quicker loading time and skin changes.
® 2005 Q ENTERTAINMENT and Bandai. Program ® 2005 Q ENTERTAINMENT and Bandai. Published and distributed by Ubisoft Entertainment under license from Bandai Games Inc. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. LUMINES is a trademark of Bandai. All Rights Reserved.
Lumines is a trademark of Bandai Games in the U.S. and/or other countries. PSP is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Memory Stick DuoTM may be required (sold separately). "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
About Bandai Company, LTD
Bandai Co. Ltd. is the third largest toy company in the world, with 30 subsidiaries in 10 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and children's entertainment, video game software, mobile phone contents ,life style goods, plastic model, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and apparel. Bandai America Incorporated is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd. and the master toy licensee of some of the most popular properties and brands in children's toys and entertainment, including the Power Rangers, Gundam, Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake and Tamagotchi product lines. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California and company information is available at www.Bandai.com. Bandai Games Inc. is a subsidiary of Bandai America Incorporated and the licensor for Luminies in the U.S, company information is available at www.BandaiGames.com.
About Q ENTERTAINMENT
Q ENTERTAINMENT, Inc. specializes in multi platform development and global marketing. Q ENTERTAINMENT creates, produces, and consults in digital entertainment softwares such as game console, PC broadband and mobile units.
Principal game creator & CCO, Tetsuya Mizuguchi came from SEGA as the president of United Game Artists, where he designed critically acclaimed titles such as the Sega Rally franchise, Space Channel 5, and Rez.
Q ENTERTAINMENT CEO, Shuji Utsumi had experience of executive position from Disney, SEGA & SCEA. He produced several famous titles such as Crash Bandicoot (SCEA), Sakura Wars (SEGA), and Kingdom Hearts (Buena Vista Games).
Q ENTERTAINMENT is comprised of veteran designers, programmers, and producers. Q ENTERTAINMENT collaborates with other creators, artists and development studios in Japan and overseas. With a large network and enthusiasm, Q ENTERTAINMENT always anticipates the trends and changes in times to come and develop new value in the videogame industry's business.
About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide. It is the fastest growing company in the videogame industry and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge videogame titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 508 million for the 2003-2004 fiscal year, an increase of 22.5 percent over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.