Vivendi publishing Fox games

Vivendi Universal Publishing has acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to publish several key Fox Interactive products. Under the terms of the agreement, Vivendi Universal's Sierra Studio will publish several next-generation console games, including Die Hard for the Nintendo GameCube, COPS for the Sony PlayStation 2 and the Microsoft Xbox, No One Lives Forever for the Sony PlayStation 2, and the No One Lives Forever sequels for unannounced next-generation consoles.

"This deal represents Fox Interactive's first major alliance since announcing our intent to copublish earlier this year," said Steven Bersch, president of Fox Interactive. "I am pleased to partner with Vivendi Universal Publishing and look forward to leveraging their sales and distribution strengths to best offer our titles to game enthusiasts around the world."

The next-generation Die Hard game for the Nintendo GameCube will feature an original storyline set in the Die Hard universe. The game's developer, UK-based Bits Corp, promises that Die Hard: Next Generation will have an innovative gameplay system. The COPS video games, based on the popular Fox television show, will place players in various situations where they have to apprehend criminals. COPS is being developed by Mass Media.

GameSpot will have more on the publishing agreement and the announced games as it becomes available.