Infogrames gets The Matrix

Interplay Entertainment has announced that it has signed an agreement with French game publisher Infogrames for the sale of Shiny Entertainment, one of Interplay's subsidiary game development studios, for approximately $47 million. Under the agreement, Infogrames gains exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish games based on sequels to the popular Warner Bros. sci-fi action film The Matrix, including The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions.

"We are delighted to have signed this transaction with Infogrames, a company with a proven track record and reputation," said Interplay CEO Herve Caen. "For Interplay and its investors, successful conclusion of this transaction will enhance stability and position Interplay for growth. The sale of Shiny will significantly reduce the general corporate overhead of Interplay and allow the Interplay teams to focus on the continuing development of games based on its successful TSR licenses such as Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale."

In addition to Shiny Entertainment, Interplay owns game developers Black Isle Studios, which created the popular Giants: Citizen Kabuto for the Sony PlayStation 2.

The first game based on the upcoming Matrix sequel is scheduled to ship alongside the film in May 2003. We'll post more information about Shiny's upcoming games as it becomes available.