VU Games International and Quantic Dream join forces to bring a breathtaking interactive thriller to computer and video consoles FAHRENHEIT: The Final Countdown has already begun

Bien que Quantic Dream et VU Games soient deux sociétés françaises, le communiqué de presse que nous avons reçu est en anglais.

Vivendi Universal Games International today announced a publishing deal with reknowned developer Quantic Dream for its forthcoming game, Fahrenheit. The French based studio already boasts the worldwide acclaimed "Omikron – The Nomad Soul".

Fahrenheit, a spectacular interactive thriller, set in New-York, gives gamers the unique chance to play both hunter and fugitive, which in turn leads them to speak, explore, interact, fight and confront unknown dark forces.

For no apparent reason, ordinary people are randomly killing total strangers. Although there is no link between the murderers, they all seem to follow exactly the same ritual and pattern.

Lucas Kane becomes one of these murderers when he kills a stranger in the men's room of a restaurant. Finding himself in control of Lucas, the player is haunted by strange visions and the desperate need to find out what is happening to him. At the same time he must keep one step ahead of the police, especially Inspector Carla Valenti and her teammate agent Tyler Miles.

Fahrenheit promises to be a landmark title, creating a whole new gender of game type thanks to its amazing features:

• You play more than one character in the game. How you act as one character can have a consequence on other characters you will control later in the game.
• Fahrenheit blends the limits between cinema and interactivity in ways never seen before, all in real-time 3D.
• The unique interactive writing techniques mean the player’s actions really affect the storyline
• Uses ICE technology (Interactive Creative Environment) : Two years in development, Quantic Dream’s new generation of technology allows immersive 3D gameplay and graphics, unique cinema directing, virtual actors and cutting-edge motion capture animations.

David Cage, CEO of Quantic Dream says: “Since it was founded, Quantic Dream has been developing innovative and original products. Today we are particularly proud to announce our next title Fahrenheit with the publisher of such prestigious products as Warcraft, Diablo and Half Life. In a time where most publishers are happy to clone existing products, it is reassuring to see a respected publisher like Vivendi Universal Games supporting ambitious original European products. By combining our experiences, our passions and our goals, we hope to make Fahrenheit a game that will thrill gamers with its richness and originality.”

Michael Fuller, SVP International Marketing and Strategy from Vivendi Universal Games International comments:”We are thrilled to publish Fahrenheit. Quantic Dream has already done an amazing job with their previous game, so imagine what experience they now bring to this new development. Fahrenheit will undoubtedly offer a whole new dimension of gameplay for an unforgettable experience. This is a game that will make its mark, as Omikron – The Nomad Soul did in the past… ”

Fahrenheit is currently in development for PS2, Xbox and PC and is planned for release in 2004.