U.S. LAUNCH OF
THE ANGEL OF DARKNESS
Copyright 2003 www.tombraiderchronicles.com
[ June 27th 2003 ]
Eidos
plc, one of the world's leading publishers and
developers of entertainment software, today confirms
that Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness, successfully
launched in the US on PS2 on 20th June. Initial
feedback from retailers and consumers has been
positive with shipments to date in line with management's
expectations. The PC game version for the US and
European markets will launch during week commencing
30th June.
The Company
is currently in the final stages of approval for
the multi-language versions of the European PS2
game. As the Company's financial year-end is June
30, it is now apparent that while some units may
ship within the current financial year, up to
one million units may ship in July - the first
month of the next financial year. This has led
the Board to significantly reduce its expectations
for profit before tax for the financial year ending
June 30, 2003.
The release
delay is not expected to impact the overall estimated
sales for the title. The Board believes that the
Company will meet, in aggregate, market expectations
for the financial years ending June 30, 2003 and
2004. The Company continues to enjoy a strong
cash position with net cash balances of over GBP40
million. The game will benefit from the launch
of the Tomb Raider film sequel, "The Cradle of
Life", scheduled for release by Paramount Pictures
on July 25 in the US and on August 22 in Europe.
Eidos
also confirms that it successfully launched, ahead
of schedule, its Italian Job game in the US on
June 24th to tie in with the recently released
new Italian Job film in the US and maximise that
game's commercial potential. The game has initially
been published on PS2 and Xbox with early shipments
again in line with management's expectations.
Eidos
intends to announce preliminary results for the
year to June 30, 2003 on September 4, but will
provide a further trading statement as soon as
is practicable in order to keep shareholders fully
informed of the expected outcome for the current
financial year.
|