Playlogic games coming to GBA

Netherlands-based Playlogic International has announced its takeover of 49 percent of Engine Software shares as well as a deal with the handheld game developer that will see the two companies collaborating on three to four GBA games a year for the next two and a half years. The GBA games that come out of the partnership will include both original concepts and content based on existing Playlogic games--the first of which is the Xbox shooter Xyanide. The GBA version of Xyanide is currently scheduled for release in the fourth quarter of this year, shortly after the Xbox version.

"Engine Software is an experienced handheld game developer whose knowledge and experience is very important to us," said Willem M. Smit, CEO of Playlogic International. "Together with the deal Playlogic signed with Overloaded Pocket Media for mobile games, this deal is illustrative for Playlogic International becoming a worldwide multiplatform publisher. We are always looking for new initiatives and content."

Funding for all of the games developed under the new partnership will come from Playlogic, while the actual development will be undertaken at Engine Software. We'll bring you more information on Xyanide and all subsequent GBA games from the two companies as soon as it becomes available.