Vivendi Universal Publishing (VU Publishing) and Marvel Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:MVL)
announced today a 10-year worldwide licensing agreement which grants VU Publishing's
Games division (VU Games) the rights to develop and publish online massively
multi-player (OLMMP) games based on Marvel's universe of more than 4,700 superheroes.
The first OLMMP title under the new agreement is targeted for release in 2005.
The announcement was made jointly by VU Games Chairman and CEO Ken Cron and
Marvel COO Bill Jemas.
The comprehensive deal provides VU Games with access to the entire library of
Marvel characters, as well as its worldwide fan base - a large percentage of
which comprise the same demographic as the core gaming audience. Additionally,
VU Games has obtained the rights to release titles in multiple languages across
all existing and future platforms enabling OLMMP game play, including PCs and
console-based systems.
OLMMP games, which allow thousands of players to interact online simultaneously,
represent a key area of growth for the multi-billion dollar video game industry.
Marvel and VU Games will share in revenues generated by subscription fees, product
sales and in-game advertising.
"We believe there are only a few franchises existing today that are compelling
enough to be a leader in the massively multi-player games market and Marvel's
universe of superheroes is clearly one of them," said Ken Cron, Chairman
and CEO of Vivendi Universal Games. "Marvel's enduring characters and fantasy-based
storylines appeal to millions of fans worldwide. Its audience spans several
generations and includes legions of consumers devoted to its comic books, TV
shows and blockbuster movies. The combination of Marvel's strong character franchises
with VU Games' global development and marketing capabilities is good news for
both companies and great news for gamers," continued Cron.
"Marvel wanted to make an aggressive move to establish a strong presence
in the burgeoning online gaming arena, and this relationship with VU Games puts
us right on the ground floor," Marvel COO Bill Jemas said. "Marvel
is perfectly suited to massively multiplayer gaming as we are a 'universe' unto
ourselves. Our fans like to live and breathe their favorite characters and this
gives them the opportunity to do that 24 hours a day if they like. Our superheroes
have been extremely successful in the video game world as evidenced by the best-selling
status of our Spider-Man, X-Men and Blade franchises. By every measure, this
is by far the largest and best electronic game deal in the history of Marvel."
This online project marks the latest partnership between Marvel and VU Games,
which is also developing next generation video games inspired by The Hulk feature
film.
Further details regarding future OLMMP titles based on Marvel characters will
be released in coming months.
For more information about other VU Games initiatives and upcoming product releases,
visit www.vugames.com | 
