Vivendi Secures Konami & Radical Deals

VU Games announced today it will be handling Konami's PC titles in North America, while securing a new agreement with Radical Entertainment.

Vivendi Universal Games had a busy day today, announcing two key publishing deals to bolster its impressive line-up.

First, the publishing giant announced a new agreement with Radical Entertainment, developer of the acclaimed The Simpsons: Hit and Run, to create six new games across multiple platforms. Vitally, it was also revealed that the deal includes the option to buy the prolific developer outright, should it feel like it further down the line. This will depend on the performance of the upcoming six titles.

Radical's top brass, Ian Wilkinson, offered: "Our team is very excited about today's announcement and the new titles in development." Presumably he's even more excited at the prospect of VU Games filling his pockets a few wmonths down the line.

Next up came the news that Konami and VU would be working together in the North American market. The agreement gives Vivendi exclusive rights to distribute Konami titles in the territory, but only for titles on the PC. (What else did you think?!)

It was not revealed which 'big name' titles Vivendi will be taking care of, but with a library of immensely popular IP, Konami's line-up is sure to benefit VU's distribution business. What was revealed was that World Soccer Winning Eleven 7 International will be included in the deal, among some other titles.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com