Atari Interactive, Obsidian
Entertainment and BioWare Corp. under license from Hasbro, Inc., have announced plans for
Neverwinter Nights 2, the sequel to BioWare's best-selling and genre-defining role-playing
game set in the popular Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms universe created by Wizards of
the Coast. Atari will publish the title. Originally developed by BioWare, Neverwinter Nights
has set a new standard in the role-playing genre with a deep and engrossing storyline;
immersive character development; stunning graphics; and, an expansive multiplayer experience
like none other.
The Neverwinter Nights franchise has sold more than two million
copies worldwide, is translated into ten languages, sold in more than 40 countries and
features one of the largest and most active fan communities in all of gaming. To date, fans
of the franchise, which includes Neverwinter Nights, Neverwinter Nights: Shadows of
Undrentide and Neverwinter Nights: Hordes of the Underdark, have created nearly 4,000
modifications to the original game using the award-winning BioWare Aurora Toolset, the
groundbreaking software included with the full game that allows players to create their own
universes, quests and storylines.
Neverwinter Nights 2 will be developed by Obsidian
Entertainment, founded by Feargus Urquhart who, as the President of Black Isle Studios, was
responsible for the publishing of the Baldur's Gate and Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance
series and the development of the Icewind Dale and Planescape: Torment franchises, both
powered by BioWare Engine Technology, as well as overseeing the creation and development of
the Fallout series. BioWare will provide tools, technology, and game assets from the
original Neverwinter Nights as well as lend creative input and oversight to the development
process.
From our development of Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights to our engine
licensure on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2, we've been working collaboratively
with Feargus and other members of the Obsidian Entertainment team for years, said Dr. Greg
Zeschuk, BioWare Corp.'s Joint CEO. Neverwinter Nights remains one of the most important
titles BioWare has ever created. We certainly plan to remain involved in the production and
development of Neverwinter Nights 2 and we're delighted to initiate another partnership
with Obsidian Entertainment and Atari, added Dr. Ray Muzyka, BioWare Corp.'s Joint
CEO.
Neverwinter Nights 2 is scheduled for release in
2006.
