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MIDWAY’S TOP-SELLING SPYHUNTER VIDEOGAME TO BECOME MAJOR FEATURE MOTION PICTURE
Universal Pictures Options SpyHunter as a Possible Star Vehicle for WWE Superstar The Rock
CHICAGO – May 9, 2003 – Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading software industry publisher and developer, announced today that Universal Pictures has obtained an option to the rights to develop the classic 1980s Spy Hunterâ videogame into a major live action motion picture. SpyHunter® 2, the latest iteration of the classic videogame, is scheduled to ship fall 2003 for the PlayStationâ2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® and Nintendo GameCube.
“SpyHunter’s fast-paced action, relentless mission-based gameplay and overall cool spy theme make it a natural for the big screen,” said Helene Sheeler, vice president of marketing, Midway.
Universal Pictures is developing the property as a possible starring vehicle for WWE superstar The Rock, who would portray Alec Sects, commander of the world’s most sophisticated spy vehicle, the G-8155 Interceptor. In addition, Universal Pictures has brought four of the most talented professionals in the entertainment industry together - Chuck Gordon and Adrian Askarieh as producers and Michael Brandt and Derek Hass as writers. Brandt and Hass most recently wrote the screenplay for Universal Pictures’ “2 Fast 2 Furious,” the major motion picture sequel to “The Fast and The Furious.”
“The SpyHunter deal marks the success of Midway’s effort to proactively showcase its top properties to the movie industry,” said Steve Booth, vice president of licensing, Midway. “We have a rich library of popular games, which will translate well into other forms of media.”
In addition to the film, the videogame sequel to the SpyHunter videogame released in fall 2001, is currently in production. SpyHunter 2 is a powerful progression in the mission to save the world from the sinister grip of the global criminal terrorist group, Nostra. Gamers will command an all-new, extremely powerful and customizable G-8155 Interceptor with new transformations such as an off-road 4-wheel drive vehicle, an off-road motorcycle and a snowmobile. In addition, the gameplay includes upgradable offensive and defensive weaponry, as players fend off enemy vehicles throughout massive levels set across enormous regions. A new mysterious, sexy female agent has also been added to the mix to increase the intensity of SpyHunter 2’s fast-paced action.
SpyHunter 2 introduces an all-new terrorist threat and it is up to Alec Sects to command the world’s most sophisticated super spy vehicle to save the world. Exclusive weaponry such as an auto-tracking turret and an indestructible armored shield are combined with landmines and oil slicks for an impressive defense that will immerse gamers in 16 action-packed levels set across four gigantic regions. Each region is interactive and dynamic, allowing players to choose their own paths and fight against giant end-of-mission bosses, including eight all-new Nostra enemies. The excitement also continues with the latest version of the Interceptor’s online computer, Leonie 2.0, designed to aid in mission-critical tactics and information. For more information about SpyHunter visit www.spyhunter2.midway.com
Midway Games Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment software. Midway videogames are available for play on all major videogame platforms including the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox, Nintendo GameCubeTM and Game Boy® Advance.
For more information about Midway Games visit www.midway.com.
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SPYHUNTER and MIDWAY are registered trademarks of Midway Amusement Games, LLC. “PlayStation” and the “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Xbox and Microsoft are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Nintendo GameCube is a trademark of Nintendo. Ó 2001 Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning future business conditions and the outlook for Midway Games Inc. (the "Company") based on currently available information that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the financial strength of the interactive entertainment industry, dependence on new product introductions and the ability to maintain the scheduling of such introductions, technological changes, dependence on major platform manufacturers and other risks more fully described under "Item 1. Business - Risk Factors" in the Company's current Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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