The partnership between Infogrames and Billabong was initiated for the release of the Atari "Transworld Surf" game, which will be an official launch title for the Xbox tm, the next generation console developed by Microsoft, arriving in stores for March 2002.

"The world of video gaming and extreme sports, share many natural and cultural connections" explained Franck Heissat, Marketing Director of the Core Games division at Infogrames Europe. "Moreover, Atari and Billabong share common values of authenticity and lifestyle that reinforce the synergies for all our global marketing and communication actions : PR, Trade, In-store promotion, On-line campaign…

The "Transworld Surf" game - a "true to life" surfing simulation - boasting incredible graphics and addictive gameplay, was developed by the California-based team "Angel Studios", in collaboration with the surfing industry and some of the world's best surfers.

Australian surfing star and leader of the new school generation Taj Burrow, world title contender Andy Irons (Hawaii), and Hawaii's superstar Shane Dorian, as well as an impressive guest list of surfing pros shared their expertise to develop the "Transworld Surf" game already hailed by the media as THE reference in the surfing genre.

"I think the game looks amazing! I heard some grommets talking about it the other day and they said its crazy! I cant wait to play it, I'm gonna buy an Xbox asap and I'll probably end up playing it all day every day! it's just addictive!" commented Taj Burrow, who he is currently competing in the last event of the World Championship Tour of Surfing, on the famed North Shore in Hawaii.

The "Transworld Surf" game immerses the gamer in the surfing culture and lifestyle of a pro rider with authentic and exclusive features. The gamer gets to choose from thirteen surfing pro surfers and nine of the world's most legendary surfing spots (Kirra, Pipeline, G-land, Hossegor, Teahupoo…) to get a virtual but unique surfing feeling.

"What really attracted Billabong to the Transworld Surf game is how real it performed. The variety of spots and the selection of surfers in the likes of Taj Burrow, Andy Irons or Shane Dorian give an accurate view of surfing today," commented Reid Pinder, Marketing Director at Billabong Europe.

The Atari "Transworld Surf" game will be available on Xbox in March 2002.