Ubi Soft and Sony Pictures Unleash the Tiger!
Los Angeles, May 18, 2001-Ubi Soft ®Entertainment, one of the top 10 interactive entertainment publishers worldwide, announced today that it has acquired the license from Sony Pictures Consumer Products for “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon™”. The smash movie, based on the book by the same name, garnered 10 Oscar nominations and 4 awards last year, including best foreign language film. In addition, the movie generated gross box office receipts in excess of $125 million in the United States. Ubi Soft will now develop and publish worldwide games based on the intricate story and intense martial arts theme. Using the hottest new technologies and a team of highly specialized graphic and design experts, Ubi Soft will ensure that the games include the same mindblowing special effects that thrilled moviegoers around the world and left fans wanting more. Spring of 2002 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon™ will debut on formats including PlayStation®2, PC, GameCube, Game Boy®Advance and Xbox.
The movie recounts the story of two Chinese warriors, a man and a woman, who, while devoting themselves to the duty and honor of their ancient profession, have ignored their love for one another. They battle both internal demons and external enemies with incredible martial arts tactics combining electrifying fight sequences, acrobatic action, and eye-catching flight choreography, in the battle to save the spirit and righteousness of a young warrior princess and find one another again.
Yves Guillemot, President and CEO, Ubi Soft Entertainment declared “Bringing Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon™ to the gaming audience is an incredible opportunity for Ubi Soft. With this amazingly successful film, we have the ability to tell stories that are not only technically rich and challenging, but are also extremely plot-driven. Ubi Soft looks forward to continuing the thread of this elaborate tale and bringing it to an even greater public.”
According to Al Ovadia, Executive Vice President, Sony Pictures Consumer Products, we are very excited about our partnership with Ubi Soft on this world class property. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is a superb film whose distinctive look and feel is ideal for the interactive category. We are confident that Ubi Soft will capture its spirit and imagination and thrill game players around the world.”
Ubi Soft Entertainment is a global producer, publisher and international distributor of interactive entertainment products. A leading company in the industry, Ubi Soft's strong and diversified lineup has grown considerably. As well as developing original properties, Ubi Soft has also steadfastly partnered with several high-profile companies and is dedicated to delivering consumers with quality videogame titles while offering blockbuster franchises. Some of Ubi Soft's recent licenses include Disney, Warner Bros., DreamWorks and Sony Pictures. Founded in 1986, the company has offices in 18 countries including the United States, Canada, France, Germany and China and sells its products in a total of 52 countries. For more information about Ubi Soft, visit www.ubisoft.com or call 1-800-UBI-SOFT.
Sony Pictures Consumer Products, based in Los Angeles, handles the merchandising and branding efforts for some of the most recognized properties in film and television. SPCP is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, whose global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home video acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment technologies and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.