Activision Wins James Bond License News

In what can only be described as a coup, EON and MGM have announced that the license to develop videogames based on James Bond has been awarded to Activision. The deal, which will run until 2014, will cover all current-gen, next-gen, and handheld formats together with the PC and allow the publisher to develop titles based from the James Bonk movie catalogue as well as non-movie based titles featuring the British secret agent.

Previous James Bond titles in recent years have been developed and published by Electronic Arts, though the last couple of titles (GoldenEye: Rogue Agent and From Russia With Love) have fallen short of the mark, which has perhaps left EON/MGM no choice but to switch companies. EA is currently working on what is probably its last James Bond title, the videogame adaptation of Casino Royale, for next-generation formats and is expected to release their 007 swan song before the end of 2006.

"James Bond is the ultimate action movie franchise, and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with MGM and EON," said Mike Griffith, president and CEO of Activision Publishing Inc. "The James Bond franchise creates tremendous global expansion opportunities for Activision as it is one of the few video game licenses that appeals equally to domestic and international consumers. James Bond storylines are rich with style, drama and action, all of which lend themselves perfectly to developing extraordinary games that capture the thrill of being the most celebrated secret agent in the world."

"MGM Interactive continues to work with best in class publishing and development teams, to ensure we deliver both memorable and fully immersive interactive gaming experiences for both core and mass-market gamers," said Travis Rutherford, MGM's executive vice president, Consumer Products and Location-Based Entertainment. "Activision's proven expertise in developing cutting edge games, their core competency in managing large movie franchises combined with the global appeal of the James Bond property, will create a new benchmark for the next-generation gaming experience. We are excited to be partnered with Activision and look forward to a long and mutually successful partnership."

"Activision's track record of developing engaging and sophisticated games across all platforms makes it the ideal partner to introduce the Bond videogame experience to a new generation of game players, as well as to provide new thrills and excitement for the legions of people who are already fans of the Bond films and games" said David Pope, CEO of EON Productions Limited, maker of the James Bond films.

We'll have more news on Activision's latest acquisition in the future...