- Developer of Highly-Anticipated L.A. RUSH Extends Midway's U.K. Presence -
October 4, 2005
[This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Game Developer and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press]
Author: Tradewest
Chicago - October 4, 2005 - Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY), a leading interactive entertainment publisher and developer, announced today that it has acquired The Pitbull Syndicate Limited, an accomplished game development studio based in Newcastle, UK. Midway acquired the privately-held developer in a primarily stock transaction for 199,385 Midway shares, subject to potential customary post-closing adjustments. The studio is currently developing Midway's highly-anticipated L.A. RUSHTM along with additional next generation projects. The studio will be renamed Midway Studios - Newcastle.
Midway's President and Chief Executive Officer, David F. Zucker, commented, "We have been collaborating with Pitbull on the upcoming reinvention of our RUSH franchise, L.A. RUSH, which we anticipate will be launching in October. This close-knit team of highly talented developers brings to Midway a successful track record, specifically the Test Drive series, of which three titles have sold over one million units. L.A. RUSH will be the first title in our co-marketing relationship with MTV, and we are excited to add the creative force behind this title to our expanding internal development staff."
Midway's Senior Vice President - Worldwide Studios, Matt Booty, said, "Pitbull has mastered the art and science of arcade-style racers, with sophisticated technology that allows huge free-roaming environments, hundreds of destructible objects, and an advanced artificial intelligence system capable of handling more than 100 vehicles at once. Pitbull will form the foundation of Midway's future racing games, and we are excited to expand our international presence in one of the strongest regions for game development talent in the UK."
Based in Newcastle, UK, The Pitbull Syndicate Limited was established in December 1996 by a small group of programmers and artists who specialize in racing games, producing four games in the Test Drive series, which has sold over 5.5 million units throughout the life of the franchise.
In addition to shares issued as consideration for the acquisition of Pitbull, 25,146 restricted shares of Midway common stock were issued to key Pitbull employees as retention incentives. The restrictions on the shares will lapse over a period of three years, provided the employee remains at the Company. Pitbull employees who received the rights were: Pete Brace, Ian Copeland, Gavin Freyberg, Jonathan Kay, Daren Kelly, Mark Leadbeater, Ben Marsh, Chris McClure, Stewart Neal, Mark Wilkinson, and Chris Wood.
About Midway
Midway Games Inc. (NYSE:MWY), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with offices throughout the world, is a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for major videogame systems and personal computers. More information about Midway and its products can be found at www.midway.com.
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