By Jason Roberts

Vivendi and Empire announced today an agreement in which VU Games will market and distribute Empire’s multi-platform destructive racing game titled [i]FlatOut[/i] in North America and Canada. Empire will still cover Europe.

“We have worked closely in the past with VU Games and have great respect for their ability and commitment to distribute and market top quality games in North America,” said Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire Interactive.”We believe their expertise will help make FlatOut a hugely successful addition to Empire’s portfolio.”

“Empire Interactive has proven to be a great partner of VU Games since 2001, and we are very committed to a successful North American launch of FlatOut early next year,” said Philip W. O’Neil, VU Games’ President of North America. “Today’s announcement truly underscores VU Games’ exceptional trade relations and distribution capabilities in North America.”

FlatOut is expected to be released in North America & Canada first quarter of 2005, while Europe will see it in stores in November 2004.