The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Heads to Japan

Japanese publisher Spike has issued a press release announcing plans to release Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in Japan on July 26, 2007.

Spike to Co-Publish The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® for Xbox 360™ in Japan

Tokyo, Japan – May 17, 2007 – Spike today announced that it has reached an agreement with Bethesda Softworks ®, a ZeniMax Media company, to co-publish the blockbuster role-playing game, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion® for Xbox 360 â„¢ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in Japan. Developed by Bethesda Games Studios, Oblivion is the latest chapter in the epic and highly successful Elder Scrolls series and utilizes next-generation video game hardware to fully immerse the player in an experience unlike any other. Oblivion is scheduled to ship in Japan on July 26, 2007. The retail price will be 7,800JPY.

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion begins after the Emperor’s mysterious and untimely death leaves the throne of Tamriel empty. With the Empire ready to crumble, the gates of Oblivion open and demons march upon the land, laying waste to everything in their path. To turn the tide of darkness, players must find the lost heir to the throne and unravel the sinister plot that threatens to destroy all of Tamriel.

(We are pleased to be partnering with Bethesda Softworks to bring this landmark role-playing game to Japan,) said Mitsutoshi Sakurai, CEO of Spike. (We are sure that Oblivion will enjoy the same level of success and critical acclaim it has achieved in other parts of the world. )

The Elder ScrollsR IV: Oblivion sold over 3 million units worldwide in 2006 and has earned countless accolades from publications worldwide, including numerous ‘˜Game of the Year’ and ‘˜RPG of the Year’ awards. In addition, Gamerankings.com and MetaCritic.com list Oblivion as the highest rated game of all time on Xbox 360 and PlayStation3.

About Spike
Spike Co., Ltd. (Headquarter Shibuya-ku Tokyo, Mitsutoshi Sakurai C.E.O.), is a subsidiary of GAMES ARENA Co. Ltd. (Headquarter Shibuya-ku Tokyo, Yoshio Asakawa C.E.O.), and an integral part of the DWANGO group (DWANGO Co. Ltd., TSE Code 3715). Spike is a developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. Spike is well know in the Japanese video game industry for developing and publishing unique property such as the (Way of the Samurai) series, (Fire Pro-wrestling) series, and (Kenka-Bancho). Spike is also known for publishing and distributing in Japan, western titles such as the (WRC) series, (True Crime: New York City), and (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider Legend). For more corporate and product information please visit www.spike.co.jp

About Bethesda Softworks:
Headquartered in Rockville, MD / USA, Bethesda Softworks LLC, a subsidiary of ZeniMax Media Inc., is a premier developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software and has produced numerous award-winning titles, most recently with 2006 PC and Xbox 360® Game of the Year and RPG of the Year, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, and the 2002 PC and XboxR Game of the Year and RPG of the Year, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind®. Among Bethesda’s more popular franchises are The Elder Scrolls® series and Fallout®, as well as its licensed properties, Pirates of the Caribbeanâ„¢ and Star Trek®. Its product line spans the sports, racing, RPG, strategy, and action genres. For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com .