Ubisoft to Launch King Kong Videogame Holiday 2005

Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest interactive video game publishers, and Universal Studios Consumer Products Group have announced plans to release an interactive game based on Universal Pictures’ upcoming motion picture adventure, King Kong. The game will be available worldwide on all platforms at the beginning of the holiday season in conjunction with the December 14, 2005 theatrical release of the movie.

Triple Academy Award winner Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King) brings his sweeping cinematic vision to the iconic story of the gigantic ape-monster captured in the wild and brought to civilization where he meets his tragic fate. Jackson assumes directing, producing and co-screenwriting duties and surrounds himself with a list of superlative film making and acting talents.

Working very closely with Peter Jackson and Wingnut Films, Ubisoft’s prized Beyond Good & Evil development team and award-winning Montreal studio - some of the interactive game industry’s most creative designers - are creating a game in their Montpellier studio in the South of France that will reflect the visual interpretation, character dynamics and dramatic narrative of Jackson's epic film.

Serge Hascoet, Executive Director, Worldwide Content Strategy for Ubisoft stated: “Through this creative association, Ubisoft shows its growing dedication to bringing intense emotions inspired by the movie industry to interactive games. In the King Kong game, players will be able to experience all the power, drama and emotion of the film thanks to the interactive possibilities provided by the game.”

“I’m really enjoying the collaboration with these artists, and all the creative possibilities we’re discovering,” said Peter Jackson. “By working closely with the development team, Ubisoft is enabling me to help shape the kind of gaming experience that I will be proud to associate with this new version of King Kong, a story that began my life-long love of film.”

About King Kong
Jackson re-teams with longtime collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, co-writing the screenplay with three-time Oscar-winning partner Walsh and The Lord of the Rings co-writer, Academy Award winner Boyens. The screenplay is based on the original story by Merian C. Cooper and Edgar Wallace, which became the classic 1933 RKO Radio Pictures film, directed by adventurers Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. Jan Blenkin, Carolynne Cunningham, Fran Walsh and Jackson are producing the film under their WingNut Films banner, with Universal Pictures releasing King Kong worldwide on December 14, 2005. Starring in the Universal Pictures release is a slate of some of Hollywood’s most versatile and accomplished actors, including Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts (21 Grams), Jack Black (School of Rock) and Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist). Cast members include Andy Serkis (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Thomas Kretschmann (U-571), Colin Hanks (Orange County) and Kyle Chandler (Angel’s Dance, television’s Early Edition).

Jackson brings his sweeping vision and employs the latest motion picture technology to cinematically portray the timeless tale of the beast and his beauty. He expands on the chapters of the tale that take place in the mysterious and dangerous jungles of Skull Island, and his Kong promises to be a unique and breathtaking creation. As with his Lord of the Rings trilogy, Jackson is currently shooting King Kong on location in his native New Zealand. Visual effects are accomplished by New Zealand-based companies Weta Digital and Weta Workshop, recipients of multiple Academy Awards® for their collective work on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Visual effects and miniatures supplement practical locations in creating primordial jungles and '30s-period America. This film has not yet been rated. Please consult www.filmratings.com or www.parentalguide.org for more information.