CTIA
Wireless - San Francisco - Sept. 27, 2005 - IN-FUSIO, a global
entertainment publisher and game services provider for mobile phones,
announced today that the company will publish mobile applications based
on the "HaloTM" franchise created by Bungie Studios, one of
Microsoft's premiere first party game development studios. Extending an
existing partnership with Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), the agreement
establishes IN-FUSIO as the worldwide mobile publisher for one of the
most valuable properties in interactive entertainment.
The
multi-year deal gives IN-FUSIO rights to develop and publish
downloadable and embedded mobile applications based on the 'Halo'
universe. To date, more than 14.3 million copies of Xbox® and PC titles
based on the franchise have been sold. The most recent game accounted
for $125 million in sales within the first 24 hours of release at
retail, tallying the biggest single day gross for any type of
entertainment property. Dedicated fans worldwide have logged more than
430 million hours playing the 'Halo' franchise online via the Xbox
LiveTM service. The massive brand also includes toys, books, and the
recently announced Universal Pictures and Twentieth Century Fox feature
film.
"The
'Halo' franchise is an enormous force, conquering consoles, PC's, online
play and soon the big screen," said Gilles Raymond, CEO, IN-FUSIO.
"With IN-FUSIO as the mobile partner,
the
brand will now expand its reach to the millions of cell phone users
around the world that make up the mobile community."
IN-FUSIO
currently distributes its existing portfolio of more than 90
downloadable games and entertainment applications for mobile phones via
130 wireless carriers and portals worldwide. The company's publishing
network reaches more than 50 countries in North America, Europe, Asia,
South America and Africa and more than 17 million people enjoy IN-FUSIO's
applications and services.
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"This
partnership is first and foremost a creative one focused on delivering
mobile applications true to the 'Halo' universe," said Julian
Corbett, Vice President, Business Development and Brand Partnerships,
IN-FUSIO. "We are dedicated to expanding the franchise in ways that
will be exciting for existing fans as well as delivering a fun and
satisfying experience for a whole new audience."
The
first 'Halo' based mobile applications will be available later this year
via carriers in North America with other territories to follow shortly
thereafter. IN-FUSIO currently publishes mobile games based on
Microsoft's Midtown Madness® 3, Zoo Tycoon® 2, Age of Empires® 2,
Banjo-Kazooie®, SabreWulf® and It's Mr. Pants® videogames.
About
IN-FUSIO
IN-FUSIO
is a leading international mobile entertainment company, publishing
games and applications for cell phones and delivering players' community
management services.
IN-FUSIO
applications are enjoyed and available through 130 carriers and portals
worldwide. The company's portfolio includes licensed games based on
Microsoft's Age of Empires® 2, Midtown Madness® 3 and Zoo Tycoon® 2,
Neopets®, Twentieth Century Fox's I-Robot and Die Hard, Canal Studio
Image's The TerminatorT, Suzuki®, Etch-A-Sketch®, Golden TeeT as well
as original titles such as the award winning Shado Fighter and the IF
Racing series. IN-FUSIO has offices in Los Angeles (North American
headquarters), Chicago, London, Bordeaux (global headquarters) and
Shanghai. For more information, please visit www.in-fusio.com.