Activision, Inc. And Marvel Entertainment, Inc. Jointly announced today that the companies have expanded their long-term, broad-based strategic alliance by signing a multi-year extension to their current video game licensing agreements for the Spider-Manâ„¢ and X-Menâ„¢ franchises through 2017. This agreement replaces all previous agreements between the companies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Activision has extended its exclusive worldwide publishing rights to two of Marvel’s most renowned comic book properties for interactive entertainment software products for console, PC and handheld platforms. The original agreements were set to expire in 2009. Activision’s Spider-Man and the X-Men video games rank among the company’s most successful franchises, having sold more than 25 million units across all platforms to date.

“This announcement further underscores the strength of our relationship with Marvel and reinforces our leadership position in the superhero genre,” states Mike Griffith, President and CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc. “Spider-Man and the X-Men are two of the most popular entertainment franchises today and some of the most coveted characters in interactive entertainment. This agreement will allow us to continue developing exceptional games based on these legendary characters well into the future.”
Tim Rothwell, Worldwide President, Consumer Media Group, Marvel Entertainment, added, “The interactive entertainment category continues to be one of Marvel’s key strategic categories. Expanding our partnership with Activision, a leader in the video game industry, further ensures that our characters will continue to be among the elite and dominant interactive franchises for the next decade and beyond.”
Bruno Maglione, President, Marvel International, commented, “Activision is one of a handful of players who can truly execute worldwide in this business. Spider-Man and X-Men are major global franchises. Because of this, it is always critical for us to partner with companies committed to maximizing success internationally. Activision’s results on a worldwide scale with these brands demonstrated to us that they can and will continue to do that.”
About Marvel Entertainment, Inc.
With a library of over 5,000 characters, Marvel Entertainment, Inc. – formerly known as Marvel Enterprises, Inc. – is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies. Marvel’s operations are focused on utilizing its character franchises in licensing, entertainment, publishing and toys. Areas of emphasis include feature films, DVD/home video, consumer products, video games, action figures and role-playing toys, television and promotions. Rooted in the creative success of over sixty years of comic book publishing, Marvel’s strategy is to leverage its character franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world. More information about Marvel can be found on the company’s Web site at http://www.marvel.com .
About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s World Wide Web site, which is located at http://www.activision.com .

Filed under: Games

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