NWN/Infogrames Press Release

Looks like Neverwinter Nights is scheduled to be released this summer:

INFOGRAMES SECURES GLOBAL PUBLISHING RIGHTS FOR NEVERWINTER NIGHTS

February 4, 2002
Genre-Defining RPG Game to be Released Globally in Summer 2002

Game Recreates Classic Pen and Paper Dungeons & Dragons in Stunning 3D

NEW YORK, NY and LYON, FRANCE – February 4, 2002 – Global interactive games publisher Infogrames, through an agreement with renowned game developer BioWare Corp., has secured the global publishing rights for the hotly anticipated role-playing game (RPG), Neverwinter Nights, excluding certain pre-existing licenses held by Interplay Entertainment. The PC game, based on the wildly popular Dungeons & Dragons game published by Wizards of the Coast, is scheduled to be launched worldwide in the Summer of 2002. Infogrames, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFGM) and parent company Infogrames Entertainment SA (Euronext: 5257) will handle U.S. and European publishing, respectively.

“We are thrilled to add a product like Neverwinter Nights to our global catalog,” said Bruno Bonnell, Chairman and CEO of Infogrames. “The Dungeons & Dragons franchise has been a major force in defining the RPG genre and with Neverwinter Nights, BioWare has created a new standard of excellence. Retailers around the world are already eagerly awaiting this game and we are putting our full worldwide distribution network of 50,000 retail outlets behind this title to meet the demand this summer.”

Neverwinter Nights is the most fully featured RPG ever. The first computer game to completely recreate the classic “pen and paper” role-playing game in stunning 3D, Neverwinter Nights features a dynamic single player storyline, advanced graphics technology, revolutionary online multiplayer capabilities and the extraordinary new “Dungeon Master” feature.

“Neverwinter Nights will change everything you thought you knew about computer role playing games,” said Jean Philippe Agati, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Infogrames’ Los Angeles studio. “Neverwinter Nights’ unmatched quality represents everything that Infogrames stands for, from unprecedented 3D graphics technology to genre-defining gameplay to a never-ending, user-created multiplayer component. This game will be equally entertaining for hardcore RPGers and those new to the genre.”

The ‘official campaign,’ which can be played in single or multi-player, will thrust gamers into a deep, enriching fantasy world with 60 hours of gameplay across four engrossing chapters. Players will enjoy a fast-paced adventure, revolving around an epic story of faith, war and betrayal. The intuitive user interface was designed to be accessible to new RPG gamers as well as the hardcore fan base.

In a gaming first, Neverwinter Nights allows gamers to design, build, and share their own role-playing modules using the “BioWare Aurora Neverwinter Toolset.” Gamers will take the role of online “Dungeon Master,” creating and presenting their challenges to the Internet community with support for up to 64 players simultaneously. Online gamers will be able to enhance their Neverwinter Nights experience with an exclusive community that will foster the development of new adventures and offer resources for Dungeon Masters, module builders and players.

“This is a game that will live for years and we’re excited to be working with a publisher like Infogrames. We’re both dedicated to quality and to pushing the limits of existing game genres,” said Ray Muzyka Joint CEO and Co-Executive Producer of BioWare’s games. “We’re committed to making sure that Neverwinter Nights is the best it can be. It has been a long road, but the game will be worth the wait,” added Greg Zeshchuk, BioWare’s other Joint CEO and Co-Executive Producer.

“Neverwinter Nights gamers will have unprecedented gameplay options,” said Trent Oster, BioWare’s Neverwinter Nights producer. “Adventure as a single player through user-created modules or play with a group of friends through the official campaign storyline. Or you can be the Dungeon Master for your friends on an adventure you created using the Toolset. Whatever you choose, Neverwinter Nights will provide limitless adventure.”

Neverwinter Nights is in development at BioWare Corp., creators of the ground breaking Baldur’s Gate role-playing games. Neverwinter Nights will be available worldwide in Summer 2002 and can be pre-ordered today at all videogame retail outlets.