Video game giant Atari has inked an exclusive deal for worldwide publishing rights across all media to all future titles developed by Spark Unlimited, the award-winning creative team behind the recent hit Call of Duty: Finest Hour. Through the deal, Atari plans to have long-term access to Spark’s creative capabilities.
Atari president and CEO Jim Caparro comments, “We are focused on working with innovative teams like Spark to launch and cultivate franchises which fully embrace the all-encompassing entertainment experience. With a track record for creating compelling, unique stories and characters, Spark is an ideal collaborative partner.”
Spark is currently developing the first title to emerge from the partnership. Atari plans to exploit the yet unnamed next generation console game across film, television and consumer products. Atari says the project will be unveiled in the spring, in advance of its 2006 Holiday season release.
Since its release in November 2004, Spark’s best-selling Call of Duty: Finest Hour received a BAFTA award for Best Audio in a Game, and was nominated for Best PlayStation 2 Game of the Year. In addition, it was named Best Military Game at Spike TV’s second annual Video Game Awards.
Spark Unlimited was founded by 27 members of the team that developed titles in the Medal of Honor console and PC series, which includes Medal of Honor Frontline, Medal of Honor Allied Assault, Medal of Honor Underground and the original Medal of Honor.
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