Eidos Inks Deal to Create Video Game for

Posted: March 22nd, 2003.

Eidos Interactive, one of the world’s leading publishers and developers ofentertainment software, announces it has signed a deal with Viacom ConsumerProducts to produce a video game based on the forthcoming Paramount Picturesfeature film, The Italian Job. The game is being developed by Climax and willbe released on PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube in summer 2003.

The Italian Job is about mastermind thief Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg), whopulls off an amazing gold bullion heist from a heavily guarded palazzo inVenice, Italy, only to be double-crossed by one of his crew, Steve (EdwardNorton). Seeking revenge, Charlie recruits Stella (Charlize Theron), a beautifulnerves-of-steel safe cracker. Together with his former gang, Charlie andStella follow the backstabber to California where they plan to re-steal thegold by manipulating traffic signals and creating havoc on the streets of LosAngeles.

A contemporary remake of Paramount’s 1969 classic by the same name, The ItalianJob, due for release this summer, features state-of-the-art chase scenes onsidewalks and through subways in the new Mini Cooper. Directed by F. GaryGray (The Negotiator), the film stars Mark Wahlberg, Edward Norton, CharlizeTheron, Seth Green, Jason Statham, Mos Def and Donald Sutherland.

Mike McGarvey, CEO of Eidos says:“The Italian Job is a very strong property and has all the elements thatwill enable us to produce a great game. The film is widely anticipated to beone of this year’s biggest movies. Eidos aims to benefit from the film’smarketing and success by releasing the game around the theatrical window.”

Pam Newton, vice president marketing and licensing, Viacom Consumer Products says:“Players will have a chance to relive the high-octane movie experiencewhile playing The Italian Job game by Eidos Interactive. We are excited to beworking with Eidos. Their commitment to quality and authenticity will generatea great product for fans of the film and gamers alike.”