Arc-9 to produce prototype of "Egregious Downhill" with assistance from Telefilm Canada and Dalhousie University.

Press Release
Halifax,Feb. 4, 2004-

Arc-9 Interactive Incorporated, a Halifax-based new media developer, has begun production on "Egregious Downhill", an innovative downhill mountain biking video game. Arc-9 Interactive has secured support from Telefilm Canada and Dalhousie University.

"We are very optimistic Arc-9 can develop a successful product for the market and we have no hesitation in providing funding and support," says David Mulcaster, president of GINIus. "There are lots of market opportunities for small companies in this marketplace and a lack of supply of products."

A recent surge in the popularity of mountain biking makes this an ideal time for a project focusing on the sport. Arc-9 has worked the for a year past year on the a demo and business plan with the generous support of or partners at GINI University Services (GINIus) and Dalhousie University.

In January "Egregious Downhill" was selected by Telefilm Canada to be funded by the Canada New Media Fund (CNMF). The CNMF supports innovative new media projects. and Arc-9 was proud to be chosen. With the support of the CNMF Arc-9 will develop a prototype of the game for presentation to publishers and second round financiers.

"Egregious Downhill" is the first step in the a series of development projects for Arc-9," says Jeff McLean, president, Arc-9 Interactive plans to develop. "We have projects ranging from a first person role-playing game based on a proprietary world developed by Arc-9 to a unique real-time strategy game. Along the journey we hope to be part of building a strong entertainment software industry in Halifax and Atlantic Canada."

According to figures from the Electronic Software Association "There were $6.9 billion in U.S. entertainment software sales in 2002.," says the Electronic Software Association (ESA). In a recent press release from Douglas Lowenstein, President of the ESA states stated "the entertainment software industry was the only entertainment industry to continue to grow in 2003 when compared with the movie and music industry."

"Arc-9 is in an excellent position to carve a niche in this growing industry, we have talent, strong partnerships and the vision to design great games. ," says McLean. Based in Halifax at the Faculty of Computer Science building we Arc-9 Interactive hasve access to the considerable talent at Dalhousie University through our the partnership with GINIus.

Halifax is home to four major universities and a thriving creative arts community representing an excellent labour pool from which to draw talent. Over the coming months Arc-9 Interactive plans to establish relationships with publishers and other developers both locally and internationally.

"Arc-9 Interactive has a great opportunity to build a strong presence in a growing industry.," said McLean ""Egregious Downhill" represents just the first step in a journey with many challenges, but with partners like GINIus and Telefilm Canada we will meet those challenges and succeed."

For further information on Arc-9 Interactive please contact:

Jeff McLean,
President
Arc-9 Interactive Incorporated.
4th Floor, 6050 University Ave.
Halifax, N.S.
B3H 1W5

Posted by bikergrl at May 8, 2004 01:29 PM

---