Bigpoint and Universal Partnerships & Licensing Unwrap Plans to Develop Universal Monsters Browser-Based Game

SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Bigpoint to Capture Authenticity of Legendary Characters Including the Previously Announced The Mummy Online Using Unity 3D Platform

Bigpoint Inc., the US-based independent subsidiary of Bigpoint GmbH (http://www.bigpoint.com), the global market leader in browser-based massively multiplayer online games (MMOG), today announced that the company is creating a new online game based on the iconic Universal Monsters through an agreement with Universal Partnerships & Licensing. Universal Monsters will become a game along with the previously announced The Mummy Online game. Both titles are built from the ground up atop the Unity 3D platform by Bigpoint's San Francisco studio.

"We see tremendous opportunity in translating Hollywood titles into browser-based games. Battlestar Galactica Online was our first attempt in working with such significant properties, the games recent launch has already surpassed our expectations," said Heiko Hubertz, CEO and Founder of Bigpoint. "We're excited to begin these new projects in San Francisco inspired by great films that bring a built-in appeal from legions of fans around the world."

"With full 3D, increasingly sophisticated design, and easy access for the end user, browser-based MMOG's continue to emerge as an exciting gaming segment," said Bill Kispert, Vice President and General Manager, Digital Platforms, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. "We look forward to partnering again with Bigpoint to bring some of our most iconic characters and universes to life in this space."

Universal Monsters, based on Universal's legendary gallery of monsters, will enable fans to experience the world through characters such as Frankenstein's Monster and Dracula as they exact their horrifying revenge. Based on one of the highest grossing film franchises of all time, The Mummy Online will center on the trilogy's second installment, The Mummy Returns, and allow players to experience adventures in 1930's Egypt.

Bigpoint's San Francisco-based team aspires to capture the integrity of each property and include some of the early film techniques used in bringing the original monster characters to the silver screen. The Mummy Online will recreate the style and intricate detail found onscreen in The Mummy franchise. In developing these titles as browser-based games, both projects will be artistically unique and offer distinct gameplay. Universal Pictures granted Bigpoint access to its vast image library to assist in the creative development of these projects. Early production began on both games in February.

    
    Public Relations Contact US:
    Alan Dunton
    Public Relations Director, Bigpoint Inc.
    +1-415-821-8107
    a.dunton@bigpoint.net

    Public Relations Contact Europe:
    Matthias Mirlach
    PR Manager, Bigpoint GmbH
    +49(0)40-881413-207
    m.mirlach@bigpoint.net

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