Vivendi Universal Publishing (VU Publishing) and Marvel Enterprises, Inc. announced today a 10-year worldwide licensing agreement which grants VU Publishing"s Games division (VU Games) the right to develop and publish online massively multi-player (OLMMP) games based on Marvel"s universe of more than 4,700 superheroes.
The first OLMMP title under the new agreement is targeted for release in 2005. The announcement was made jointly by VU Games Chairman and CEO Ken Cron and Marvel COO Bill Jemas.
The comprehensive deal provides VU Games with access to the entire library of Marvel characters, as well as its worldwide fan base - a large percentage of which comprise the same demographic as the core gaming audience. Additionally, VU Games has obtained the rights to release titles in multiple languages across all existing and future platforms enabling OLMMP game play, including PCs and console-based systems.
OLMMP games, which allow thousands of players to interact online simultaneously, represent a key area of growth for the multi-billion dollar video game industry. Marvel and VU Games will share in revenues generated by subscription fees, product sales and in-game advertising.