Vivendi-Universal has today announced a ten-year deal with Ludlum Entertainment to produce franchises based on the works of late-author Robert Ludlum, whose works included The Bourne series and Convert One. The financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to launch a new line of games inspired by some of the most exciting spy-action franchises ever created,” said Bruce Hack, CEO of VU Games. “The interest in Robert Ludlum’s works is enormous, as evidenced by the worldwide popularity and commercial success of his books and movies. VU Games intends to aggressively establish Ludlum as a top tier games brand with high-quality franchises poised to go head-to-head with other major spy-action games in the industry.”

“Properties like Bourne and Covert One naturally lend themselves to video games, and we are excited to bring Robert Ludlum's stories to life in a way that has never been done before," said Jeffrey M. Weiner, CEO of Ludlum Entertainment. "Our long-term partnership with VU Games underscores our belief in the creativity and vision that the development team will bring to these exciting new projects.”

The deal with Ludlum Entertainment is a clear sign of VU Games’ intent to create a series of games to rival Ubisoft’s three franchises set in the Tom Clancy universe: Ghost Recon, Rainbow Six, and Splinter Cell. Details of the first titles are expected to be released by VU Games by the end of the year – we’ll have more news on them shortly...