Dublin, 25th August 2011 – Global video games publisher 505 Games and developer HB Studios announce the release of Rugby World Cup 2011, the official game of Rugby World Cup 2011. The game will available from tomorrow, Friday, 26th August at video game retailers nationwide including GameStop, Xtra-vision, Smyths Toys and Tesco.
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.
The game holds a number of official Union licences, with countries such as Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, 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.
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. 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 from tomorrow, Friday 26th August 26th 2011. For more information, please visit the official website at www.rwc2011game.com and facebook.com\rwc2011game
