Nota de prensa:
Localized Servers and ubi.com to provide an unparalleled level of access and service
Los Angeles - 24 May 2002 - Ubi Soft® Entertainment, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced today that it has signed a major new European publishing and support agreement with Sony Online Entertainment Inc., to launch localized versions of EverQuest® - the world's most successful massively multiplayer online game.
From fall 2002 onwards, European fans will discover brand new European-based servers, with fully localized game versions in French, German and English. The European EverQuest experience will be enhanced, with European-based customer services, both in-game and offline, provided by local teams at European times in English, German and French. The agreement will result in improved connectivity to brand new EverQuest worlds and easier subscription with local payment methods offered. While Sony Online Entertainment continues to operate the infrastructure, ubi.com, the online arm of Ubi Soft, will provide local Customer Service to European players. Ubi Soft and Sony Online Entertainment will be sharing the online revenues that are generated.
"In the growing sector of massively multi-player online gaming, the success and popularity of EverQuest is unmatched. This partnership signifies a key milestone in Ubi Soft's online strategy. It also signifies a further strengthening of the excellent relationship between Ubi Soft and Sony Online." said Gilles Langourieux, Managing Director of ubi.com.
Commenting on today's agreement was John Smedley, senior vice president and Chief Operating Officer of Sony Online Entertainment: "These are exciting times for everyone at Sony Online Entertainment. EverQuest continues to go from strength to strength. Through this new agreement with Ubi Soft we aim at doubling the number of European subscribers to EverQuest, and we have absolutely no doubts that the future of EverQuest in Europe is in very safe hands".
EverQuest is one of the most popular and successful, massively multiplayer role-playing game in the world. Over 430,000 monthly subscribers regularly enjoy exploring and living within the rich, exciting and ever evolving world of Norath. Enormous virtual environments, diverse species and full economic, political and cultural systems have created a world of endless possibilities and adventure.
About Ubi Soft Entertainment
Ubi Soft Entertainment is an international producer, publisher and international distributor of interactive entertainment products. A leading company in the industry, Ubi Soft's strong and diversified line-up has grown considerably, as has Ubi Soft itself. As well as steadfastly continuing to partner with several high-profile companies, Ubi Soft has also confirmed its presence on the global market by developing its own exceptional properties. Founded in 1986 in France, Ubi Soft is now present on every continent, both through offices in 21 different countries including the United States, Brazil, Morocco, Germany and China and through sales of products in over 50 countries. The group is dedicated to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers around the world. To learn more, visit www.ubi.com .
About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), the online gaming division of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment, is a worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online gaming that creates, develops and provides online entertainment for the personal computer, console, wireless, and online markets. With more than 13 million registered users, SOE's award-winning website, The Station ® (www.station.com) hosts a variety of entertaining games and player communities spanning numerous genres. In addition to blockbuster hits EverQuest® and Jeopardy! Online, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as PlanetSide(tm), Star Wars® Galaxies(tm), EverQuest® II, and the world's premier online-only console game for the PlayStation®2, EverQuest® Online Adventures(tm).
EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. © 2002, Sony Online Entertainment Inc.; portions © 2002, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. All rights reserved.