MUMBAI: MGM Interactive and Eon Productions have awarded Activision the rights to develop and publish interactive entertainment games based on the James Bond license through 2014.

MGM says that the deal that combines a popular property with next-generation gaming expertise continues the Bond franchise's long legacy of providing thrills to audiences around the globe. 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 video games based on the world of James Bond have been sold to date.

James Bond, MGM notes continues to delight audiences worldwide with a quintessential blend of action, glamour and sophisticated style synonymous with top secret agent
007.

Activision Publishing president and CEO Mike Griffith says, "James Bond is the ultimate action movie franchise, and we look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with MGM and EON. The James Bond franchise creates tremendous global expansion opportunities for Activision as it is one of the few video game 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."

Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will obtain the worldwide rights to create video games for all current and next-generation consoles, PC and hand-held platforms. The license will grant Activision the right to develop and publish games based on all of the James Bond movies, as well as non-movie based games.

MGM executive VP, consumer products and location-based entertainment Travis Rutherford says, "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.

"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."

Eon CEO David Pope says, "Activision's track record 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."