Graalonline bought by Microsoft

[unixmad]

REDMOND, Wash. — April 1st, 2005 — Microsoft Corp. today announced it has purchased F.R.-based Cyberjoueurs, one of the world's leading online game developers, further demonstrating Microsoft's commitment to providing the most innovative interactive experiences available on its Xbox™ Live video game system. Cyberjoueurs has been the mastermind behind some of the most popular online games, including Graal Classic, Graal Kingdoms. Under terms of the $135 million cash transaction, Cyberjoueurs will today begin creating exclusive console online games for Xbox.

In a statement made from Paris, France, where the announcement was made, Stephane Portha chairman and Stefan Knorr technical director of Cyberjoueurs, said, "Our mission at Cyberjoueurs has always been to make the industry's best online games for the widest possible audience. Teaming with Microsoft gives us the best opportunity to accomplish this goal. Microsoft's dedication and commitment to game creators, research and development, and to gaming innovation made them the obvious partner to take Cyberjoueurs into the future."

"We've always insisted on pushing the envelope when it comes to creativity," added Stefan Knorrr, Technical Director of Cyberjoueurs. "And now we get the chance to create for Xbox."

"This partnership significantly broadens our already outstanding portfolio of games that will be available for Xbox Live. And it also broadens our reach internationally as gamers around the world have demonstrated their fanaticism for what Cyberjoueurs consistently produces," said Robbie Blach, Chief Xbox Officer at Microsoft.

"The last time I was this excited was the first time I picked up a modem and played a game from Cyberjoueurs," said Ed Flries, vice president of Xbox Game Content at Microsoft. "As a gamer, you could hardly wait until Cyberjoueurs's next graal version was announced. You didn't know what genre it would be, but it didn't matter because you knew you were going to love it."

With today's announcement, Cyberjoueurs becomes the latest member of a star-studded lineup at Microsoft Game Studios, joining such prestigious worldwide developers as Bungie Studios, the masterminds behind the smash hit "Halo™," named Game of the Year by Electronic Gaming Monthly. Cyberjoueurs's first creation for Xbox, "Graal Xbox," is expected to reach store shelves next spring.