REYKJAVIK, Iceland, November 11 /PRNewswire/ --
-- Combined Company to Become the Largest Independent Virtual World Developer in the World
CCP, the largest European virtual world company, announced the completion of its merger with White Wolf, the world's second largest role-playing publisher. The combination of the two privately held companies creates the unique pool of talent required to prevail in the rapidly expanding virtual world entertainment market. The combined company will introduce new online and offline gaming products across the science-fiction, horror and fantasy genres.
Having set the world record for most concurrent users in a virtual environment in EVE Online, CCP's flagship science fiction game, the innovators behind this landmark game will be creating a multi-player game based on White Wolf's popular World of Darkness setting, along with other projects already in the pipeline. The merger will accelerate CCP's brand development of EVE Online as White Wolf will bring their expertise to the creation of EVE Online strategy guides, collectible card games, role-playing games, novels, and miniatures.
"White Wolf possesses the role-play gaming industry's leading creative minds and some of the most recognizable role-playing properties in the world," said Hilmar Petursson, CCP's Chief Executive Officer, "Virtual worlds are a new form of entertainment, separate from traditional computer games. By combining forces, we will create a company unsurpassed in quality, innovation and scope which will keep us at the forefront of this emerging trend."
The combined company will continue to operate under their respective names. White Wolf will be operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of CCP. Hilmar Petursson, Chief Executive Officer of CCP, will be CEO of the combined company. Mike Tinney, President of White Wolf, will continue as President of the independent subsidiary. Further, White Wolf will continue development and enhancement of their entire portfolio of gaming products.
"CCP brings industry-leading technical expertise and online game development experience to us," said Mike Tinney, White Wolf's President. "Together, we will create the industry's most innovative games leveraging both online and offline systems."
About CCP
CCP Games is a privately held company that specializes in the creation, development, and distribution of Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs). Founded in 1997, CCP is recognized internationally as a pioneer in the single-server persistent universe concept of the MMOG genre. CCP Games is headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland with an office in Shanghai, China. For more information, visit www.ccpgames.com.
About White Wolf
Since its entry into the roleplaying game market in 1991, White Wolf Publishing, Inc. has grown, maintaining an average market share of 22%. With collective book sales in excess of 5.5 million copies during this time, White Wolf is one of two undisputed worldwide publishing leaders for pen-and-paper roleplaying games. White Wolf properties have been licensed for television series, comic books, action figures, console and computer video games, coin-operated arcade games, professional wrestlers, replica props and weapons, interactive media events and myriad merchandise. More information on White Wolf can be found at http://www.white-wolf.com/.
Contact: CCP Games, Magnus Bergsson, magnus@ccpgames.com , Tel: +354-820-8640. White Wolf, Kelley Barnes-Herman, kelley@white-wolf.com
