HB Studios Convert USA Rugby License

Publisher 505 Games and developer HB Studios have today announced the game’s partnership with USA Rugby. The official licensing agreement grants the use of the Rugby World Cup 2011 USA team strip, team roster and emblem within the game. With other major licensing deals already announced, Rugby World Cup 2011 will be the authentic rugby gaming experience this summer.

Rugby World Cup 2011 is the official game of Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand, and HB studios and 505 Games have been granted the exclusive rights for the Tournament’s official game by Rugby World Cup Limited.

“From a developer perspective, working with an official license always opens doors on the way to creating a more immersive gaming experience,” commented Alastair Jarvis, General Manager at HB Studios. “At HB, we feel uniquely placed when it comes to rugby game development, and tying up a deal such as this only makes our dream of creating the definitive, authentic rugby title achievable.”

The first rugby title on this generation of consoles, Rugby World Cup 2011 will feature HD presentation detail extending to the inclusion of thigh tape, wrist tape, finger tape and scrum caps.

Rugby World Cup 2011 will challenge players to pick from the 20 Rugby World Cup 2011 participating teams and attempt to lead their team through the pool phase, and progress to the Final with the opportunity to lift the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup. National rivalries, venues and player personalities are perfectly captured as participants will fight for the pride of their nation in either solo play or with up to three other players in local multiplayer matches. For the first time, HB Studios will give players the chance to fight for the glory of their country online by challenging other players to one-on-one matches on Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network and PlayStation®Network.

“As with any sports title, we feel authenticity is key with Rugby World Cup 2011, and with that in mind, the involvement of USA Rugby was an essential element of this title,” commented Ian Howe, President, 505 Games.

“Rugby is the fastest growing sport in the US, and we’re pleased to be able to bring it to a new legion of fans in a big way,” said Nigel Melville, CEO, USA Rugby. “By partnering with 505 Games on the launch of Rugby World Cup 2011, we’re positive that Rugby is about to explode in the US.”

The official Rugby World Cup will be broadcast in an exclusive licensing agreement with NBC Universal, who will air key matches in the tournament exclusively via their NBC and Universal Sports networks, as well as both online and via mobile platforms.

Rugby World Cup 2011 will be available on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation Network for PlayStation®3 on September 6, 2011 for $49.99. An official demo for the game is now available for download via Xbox LIVE. For more information, please visit the official website at www.rwc2011game.com and facebook.com/rwc2011game.