Vivendi To Publish FlatOut In North America (Xbox)

Vivendi signs deal with Empire Interactive for its Flat-Out racing game.

By Rainier Van Autrijve | Sept. 13, 2004

Vivendi and Empire announced today they have signed an agreement by which VU Games will market and distribute Empire' s multi-platform destructive racing game titled FlatOut in North America & Canada, while Empire still covers Europe.

FlatOut is an adrenaline-filled racing game that brings cheap, rusty, banged-up cars to battle it out on intensive closed courses. First one to the finish line hogs not only the road but also most of the prize money, so it' s every man for himself with all means necessary. Cutting edge damage modelling techniques and detailed visual car damage unleash the full potential of virtual racing.

Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire Interactive, commented, " We have worked closely in the past with VU Games and have great respect for their ability and commitment to distribute and market top quality games in North America. We believe their expertise will help make FlatOut a hugely successful addition to Empire' s portfolio."

" Empire Interactive has proven to be a great partner of VU Games since 2001, and we are very committed to a successful North American launch of FlatOut early next year," said Philip W. O' Neil, VU Games' President of North America. " Today' s announcement truly underscores VU Games' exceptional trade relations and distribution capabilities in North America."

FlatOut is expected to be released in North America & Canada first quarter of 2005, while Europe will see it in stores in November 2004.