In a deal brokered by Copyright Promotions Sport (CPS), Acclaim Entertainment International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ.SC: AKLM), has signed an agreement with the RFU and Team England which allows for full rights to the England World Cup squad for use in World Championship Rugby for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox(tm) and PC. The deal allows for the usage of the England team, including player names and likenesses, all names and logos associated with the RFU and the England rose emblem. Teams will also be able to compete at Twickenham – the Home of England Rugby – and experience commentary by Sky Sports’ Miles Harrison and Stuart Barnes.
‘There has been a lot of excitement about World Championship Rugby since the launch announcement and this will create even more buzz and anticipation,’ said Larry Sparks, Vice President, Marketing, Acclaim International. ‘World Championship Rugby will deliver a hard-hitting, action packed arcade experience that will encapsulate all the drama and passion witnessed by millions of viewers around the world during the World Cup finals.’
Developed by Swordfish Studios – the creators of Jonah Lomu Rugby – World Championship Rugby includes 20 international teams and over 400 motion-captured moves to create an extremely realistic look and feel. The game features a simple-to-use control system and responsive player movement, which allows for slick, free-flowing arcade action. World Championship Rugby will be released on April 8 2004 for the PlayStation®2 Computer Entertainment System, Xbox(tm) and PC. Further information and screenshots can be found at www.worldchampionshiprugby.com.
Paul Vaughan, RFU Commercial Director says ‘English Rugby Union has made huge strides in both player numbers and spectators since England won the RWC 2003. Fans can now get behind the England Rugby squad once more by controlling all the action in World Championship Rugby, from a Jason Robinson sprint down the pitch dodging passed the opposition, a Ben Cohen try or a Jonny Wilkinson drop goal.’
For further enquiries and images please contact:
Gaby Dior, CPLG
Tel: +44-020-8563 6102
e-mail: gdior@cplg.com