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Activision Wins James Bond Video Game License

MGM Interactive and EON Productions Ltd. have awarded Activision Inc. the rights to develop and publish interactive entertainment games based on the James Bond license through 2014.

Since the initial release of DR. NO in 1962, JAMES BOND films have grossed more than $3.6 billion theatrically worldwide and approximately 30 million units of videogames based on the world of James Bond have been sold to date.

"James Bond is the ultimate action movie franchise, and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with MGM and EON," said Mike Griffith, president/ceo of Activision Publishing. "The James Bond franchise creates tremendous global expansion opportunities for Activision as it is one of the few videogame licenses that appeals equally to domestic and international consumers. James Bond storylines are rich with style, drama and action, all of which lend themselves perfectly to developing extraordinary games that capture the thrill of being the most celebrated secret agent in the world."

Activision gains worldwide rights to develop and publish games based on all of the JAMES BOND movies, as well as non-movie based videogames for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and hand-held platforms.

"MGM Interactive continues to work with best in class publishing and development teams, to ensure we deliver both memorable and fully immersive interactive gaming experiences for both core and mass-market gamers," said Travis Rutherford, MGM's evp, consumer products and location-based entertainment. "Activision's proven expertise in developing cutting edge games, their core competency in managing large movie franchises combined with the global appeal of the James Bond property, will create a new benchmark for the next-generation gaming experience. We are excited to be partnered with Activision and look forward to a long and mutually successful partnership."

"Activision's track record of developing engaging and sophisticated games across all platforms makes it the ideal partner to introduce the Bond videogame experience to a new generation of game players, as well as to provide new thrills and excitement for the legions of people who are already fans of the BOND films and games," said David Pope, ceo of EON Prods. Ltd., maker of the JAMES BOND films.

MGM Interactive manages Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio Inc.'s business, development and production of interactive products for a variety of multi-media platforms, as well as talent and developer relationships.

MGM (www.mgm.com,) through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,000 titles. Operating units including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Ent. Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Ent. Llc., MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. Under the supervision of new chairman/ceo Harry Sloan, MGM is revitalizing all areas of the company. As a result, the studio is now being positioned as an independent, vertical integrated multi-media company.

EON Prods./Danjaq Llc. is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced 20 JAMES BOND films since 1962. The BOND films make up the most successful franchise in film history and include such blockbuster films as GOLDENEYE, TOMORROW NEVER DIES, THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH and DIE ANOTHER DAY, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli. EON Prods. and Danjaq are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision (www.activision.com), 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.