HB STUDIOS AND 505 GAMES CONVERT EXCLUSIVE LICENCES FOR OFFICIAL RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 VIDEOGAME
(Milton Keynes) – 21, June 2011 – Global video games publisher 505 Games and developer HB Studios have recently announced key licences for inclusion in the upcoming Rugby World Cup 2011 official video game. The game holds a number of official Union licences, with countries such as England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Italy, France, South Africa, Argentina and Canada being in game with their official Rugby World Cup 2011 playing strips, emblems and many player likenesses. In addition, the agreements contain exclusive licences to feature national stadiums such as Twickenham, Murrayfield, the Millennium Stadium and the redeveloped home of Irish Rugby in Dublin.
Adding to the fever pitch of Rugby World Cup 2011, the game will challenge players to pick from the 20 participating teams and attempt to lead their team through the pool phase, and progress to the Final with the opportunity to lift the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup.
National rivalries, venues and player personalities are perfectly captured as participants will fight for the pride of their nation in either solo play or with up to three other players in local multiplayer matches. For the first time, HB Studios will also give players the chance to fight for the glory of their country online by challenging other players to one-on-one matches on Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and PlayStation®Network.
Rugby World Cup 2011 is the official game of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and HB studios and 505 Games have been granted the exclusive rights for the Tournament’s official game by Rugby World Cup Limited (RWCL). “At HB, we feel uniquely placed when it comes to Rugby game development and tying up the official licences has made our dream of creating the definitive, authentic Rugby title achievable.” said, Alastair Jarvis – Studio Head at HB Studios.
Rugby World Cup 2011 will offer an unrivalled level of officialdom, capturing both the Tournament and the Game of Rugby like never before by also including a star team of commentators from the world of Rugby in game. Naturally, Stuart Barnes and Miles Harrison head up the UK team. Well-known for their Sky Sports rugby commentary, they have been the voice of Sky’s Rugby coverage for the past two decades, covering all major Rugby matches and Tournaments including Rugby World Cup. Players wanting a bit of Gallic flair on the commentary wings can opt for the French partnership of Philippe Sella and Eric Bayle. Greg Clark and Sean Fitzpatrick make up the contribution from Australia and New Zealand. Clarke is considered to be one of the best callers in Rugby and brings 27 years broadcasting experience to the game whilst, Fitzpatrick is considered to be one of the finest players ever to wear an All Blacks shirt.
“As with any sports title, we feel authenticity is key with Rugby World Cup 2011, and with that in mind, the involvement with as many Unions and major personalities as possible from the world of Rugby was an essential element of this title,” commented Ian Howe, President, 505 Games.
RWCL Tournament Director Kit McConnell said “The official video game is another fantastic way for fans to get involved with Rugby World Cup 2011 and support their national team. We are delighted to be working with HB Studios and 505 Games on what promises to be a truly authentic game. The Rugby World Cup 2011 official video game will capture the emotion, action, drama and excitement of the biggest sporting event of the year and will give fans the chance to play Rugby before, during and long after the Webb Ellis Cup has been won. It’s a unique chance for fans to control the action on the field and lead their team to Rugby World Cup glory.”
Rugby World Cup 2011 will be available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on August 26th 2011. For more information, please visit the official website at www.rwc2011game.com and facebook.com\rwc2011game
About HB Studios.
HB Studios is the largest video game developer in Atlantic Canada. Founded in July 2000, HB has shipped 32 titles with over 200 SKUs across Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, PlayStation®Portable, Windows PC and PlayStation®2 selling more than 17.5 million units. For more information, please visit http://www.hb-studios.com/
About 505 Games
505 Games is a global publisher of video games, publishing games for all ages across multiple platforms including, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Sony PlayStation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ and DS, Windows PC, Facebook, iPhone®, Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network, and PlayStation®Network.
505 Games has offices in key territories around the world to publish and distribute its library of successful titles which include ArmA II, IL2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey, the Cooking Mama World series, Naughty Bear, Backbreaker and Zumba Fitness.
505 Games is headquartered in Milton Keynes – UK, with international offices in Lyon (France), Munich (Germany), Milan (Italy), Madrid (Spain) and Los Angeles (U.S.A). A further network of key distribution partners based in Nordic territories and Australia enable global distribution of 505’s titles. To see the latest releases, news and more about 505 Games go to: www.505games.co.uk
About Rugby World Cup 2011
Rugby World Cup is the crown jewel of the sport and a prominent global property – with television coverage of Rugby World Cup 2007 spanning more than 200 territories, reaching a cumulative audience of 4 billion viewers. Rugby World Cup 2011 is being held in New Zealand for the first time since the inaugural event in 1987. Teams representing 20 nations will compete in 48 matches across 12 Host Cities between 9 September and 23 October 2011.
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