In all of the E3 news this week, this little snippet might slip under the radar. German publisher Gameforge has inked a deal and obtained rights to the "classic science-fiction franchise Star Trek." They will thus be able to create free-to-play browser based games based on Star Trek.
Trekkers, rejoice! Browser based games are becoming increasingly robust and graphically impressive so it's ok to be cautiously optimistic about this news.
Gameforge Secures Classic Star Trek™ License for Free-to-Play Casual Online Browser Games
Germany-based Online Games Publisher Bursts into AAA Entertainment Territory
Karlsruhe, Germany, June 14, 2010 - Gameforge signed a worldwide licensing agreement to publish free-to-play casual browser games based on the classic science-fiction franchise Star Trek. Acquiring the Star Trek license marks the start of Gameforge's global AAA expansion, as the leading online game publisher begins development to bring the Star Trek universe to life in browser-based properties.
"We are proud that the quality of our games and publishing services enabled us to acquire this license," said Christoph Jennen, CFO of Gameforge. "Our upcoming Star Trek browser games will further expand our consumer base and market share on an international scale."
The Star Trek universe has entertained millions around the world for decades and boasts one of the most loyal and dedicated fan bases in popular culture. The new relationship will bring the storied franchise to the fastest growing sector of the games market, and to players across the globe.
"The popularity of Star Trek spans decades and is a testament to the richness and depth of the universe Gene Roddenberry created - at Gameforge, we put the same level of detail and dedication into our games," said Ralf Adam, Vice President of Publishing at Gameforge. "Honoring the Star Trek legacy and providing the global community with excellent free-to-play browser games is something we are very dedicated to and excited about."
TM & © 2009 CBS Studios Inc. STAR TREK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
About Gameforge
Gameforge is the largest independent global provider of online games. Located in Karlsruhe, Germany, Gameforge offers 20 games in more than 50 languages and more than 100 million registered users worldwide. The Gameforge portfolio includes Metin2, the largest massively multiplayer online game in Europe and popular games such as OGame, Ikariam, Gates of Andaron, or Gladiatus. The Gameforge portal MMOGAME.COM integrates all Gameforge games in a comprehensive community network. Gameforge has won numerous awards, including "Technology Pioneer 2009" from the World Economic Forum and "Entrepreneur of the Year 2008." Ikariam won the German Computer Game Award 2009 in the "Best Browser Game" category. In 2010, Gameforge was awarded "TOP JOB Employer of the Year" and titled one of the best employers of 2010 by the Great Place to Work® Institute Germany.
For more information about the company: www.gameforge.com
For more information about the games: www.mmogame.com
