Xboxist

HB Studios hold exclusive RFU licence for official Rugby World Cup 2011 videogame

Further to the announcement of the forthcoming release of Rugby World Cup 2011 on 26th August, international publisher 505 Games and developer HB studios have today announced the games exclusive partnership with the Rugby Football Union (RFU). The official licensing agreement grants the exclusive use of the Rugby World Cup 2011 England team strip, emblem, players' likenesses and the Home of England Rugby, Twickenham Stadium, within the game. With further licensing deals to be announced in due course, Rugby World Cup 2011 will be the authentic rugby gaming experience this summer.

Rugby World Cup 2011 is the official game of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand and HB studios and 505 Games have been granted the exclusive rights for the tournament's official game by Rugby World Cup Limited. "From a developer perspective, working with an official licence always opens doors on the way to creating a more immersive gaming experience," commented Alastair Jarvis, General Manager at HB studios. "At HB, we feel uniquely placed when it comes to rugby game development, and tying up a deal such as this only makes our dream of creating the definitive, authentic rugby title achievable."

The first rugby title on this generation of consoles, Rugby World Cup 2011 will feature the Home of England Rugby, Twickenham Stadium, as one of its many showpiece stadia. Player likenesses for the England squad have been secured and implemented into the game with HD presentation detail extending to the inclusion of thigh tape, wrist tape, finger tape and scrum caps.

Rugby World Cup 2011 will challenge players to pick from the 20 Rugby World Cup 2011 participating teams and attempt to lead their team through the pool phase, and progress to the final with the opportunity to lift the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup. National rivalries, venues and player personalities are perfectly captured as participants will fight for the pride of their nation in either solo play or with up to three other players in local multiplayer matches. For the first time, HB Studios will give players the chance to fight for the glory of their country online by challenging other players to one-on-one matches on Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and PlayStation®Network."As with any sports title, we feel authenticity is key with Rugby World Cup 2011, and with that in mind, the involvement of the RFU was an essential element of this title," commented Ian Howe, President, 505 Games "With further partnerships yet to be announced, we're confident rugby fans from around the world will be impressed with the roster of likenesses and stadia within the game."

Paul Vaughan, Business Operations Director from the RFU commented "With 20 teams lined up to compete in this year's Rugby World Cup and fans from around the world preparing for the event, the tournament is promising to be an amazing spectacle. Adding an official video game to the many ways fans can get involved in the event and support their home nation feels like a natural synergy. We are delighted to be a part of the game and to help make it as authentic as possible. Rugby World Cup 2011 from 505 Games will give fans the chance to play rugby before, during and long after the Webb Ellis Cup in 2011 has been won."

Rugby World Cup 2011 will be available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system on August 26th 2011. For more information, please visit the official website at www.rwc2011game.com.