EIDOS INKS AGREEMENT WITH BACKYARD
Copyright 2002 Eidos Interactive Press Release

[ August 9th 2002 ]

Eidos Interactive, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment, and Backyard Wrestling Inc, the world's premier provider of backyard wrestling genre sports entertainment, today announced that they have signed a licensing agreement, which provides Eidos rights to publish and distribute video games based on the best-selling, sensational Backyard Wrestling video series.

"Eidos is pleased to announce this strategic relationship with Backyard Wrestling, Inc," said Rob Dyer, President, Eidos Interactive. "The Backyard Wrestling video series is astonishing in its popularity and steadily-increasing fan base. The video series' outrageous, reality-based hardcore action translates perfectly into the video game arena. Eidos looks forward to releasing a video game that brings-to-life the outrageous, bigger-than-life action of Backyard Wrestling."

An explosive, action-packed video game is the perfect extension to our top-selling 'Best of Backyard Wrestling' video brand," said Houston Curtis, CEO of Backyard Wrestling, Inc. "We are pleased to be working with Eidos Interactive, as they understand that Backyard Wrestling isn't just another wrestling or fighting game, but a pop-culture phenomenon unlike anything the world has ever seen. We believe this partnership will result in a mind-blowing, ground-breaking gaming experience that will deliver the incredible in-your-face action our fans have come to expect, combined with a unique sense of depth into our wildly outrageous world of Backyard Wrestling mayhem." The Backyard Wrestling video series consists of outrageous and shocking footage from real backyard wrestling matches across the US.

The Backyard Wrestling video series currently boasts five chart-topping titles, including: "THE BEST OF BACKYARD WRESTLING: FUTURE KINGS OF THE RING," "THE BEST OF BACKYARD WRESTLING 2: MORE HARDCORE THAN EVER BEFORE," "THE BEST OF BACKYARD WRESTLING 3: TOO SHOCKING FOR TV," "THE BEST OF BACKYARD WRESTLING 4: RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE," and "THE BEST OF BACKYARD WRESTLING Special Edition: THE BACKYARD BABES Behind-The-Scenes UNCENSORED."

Backyard Wrestling has also made its entrance into the pay-per-view arena, expanded into international markets, and is currently in post-production on three all-new releases due to hit retail stores nationwide later this year. Backyard Wrestling, Inc. boasts millions of rabid, die-hard fans as well as hundreds of BYW leagues in all 50 states and over fourteen countries across five continents.

"Eidos is thrilled to have this opportunity to bring the fierce action of the Backyard Wrestling video series to life on today's gaming consoles," said Kevin Gill, Senior Product Manager at Eidos Interactive. "Eidos continues to diversify its already strong roster of brands with this exciting new property, and we will continue to push the envelope of today's games with such acquisitions."