Midway Games Inc., 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 Hunter 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 PlayStation2 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.

About SpyHunter 2
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

About MIdway Games
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 GameCube™ and Game Boy® Advance. For more information
about Midway Games visit www.midway.com.

Filed under: Games

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