Nov. 13, 2002 - Paris, France

For Immediate Release -
Category : Interactive 3D Applications / 3D Games / Recent Releases

Virtools technology chosen again by Microïds to create their latest blockbuster game, Post Mortem

Virtools™, one of the world's leading providers of technology solutions for creating interactive 3D applications, was chosen by Microïds, who used the company's toolset to make their latest game, Post Mortem. In the wake of Syberia's amazing success, Microïds renewed its confidence in Virtools to produce another stunning real-time 3D adventure game.

November 13, 2002- Paris, France –In a shadowy Parisian atmosphere reminiscent of 1920's film noir movies, a former detective from America sets out to solve the mystery surrounding several ritual murders committed in observance of ancestral beliefs.

Virtools™ publishes a toolset for developing and deploying interactive 3D content. Virtools technologies are based on an intuitive graphical user interface enabling users to attribute behaviors to 3D objects and environments in order to create rich interactive worlds.

The Virtools development platform, with its behavioral technology and a real-time 3D render engine, made it possible for the Microïds production team to concentrate on game design and stick to project deadlines and budget. The quality of the graphics, gameplay, navigation and interactivity speak for themselves: Microïds' talented designers and developers, alongside Virtools' powerful real-time 3D solutions, add up to a great team and an outstanding, high-quality game.

Virtools Dev was used throughout the production cycle. From the start, Microïds developers tested and tweaked gameplay as they worked on game design. Once game production was in full swing, the software was used for its real-time 3D engine and as an excellent technical hub for efficient workflow. As production drew to a close, Dev led the project to the finish line by maximizing resources during testing and debugging.

"We're always proud to play an integral role in Microïds' development and production process. Since collaborating with Microïds on Syberia, we've continued working hand-in-hand to ensure future success. Post Mortem will definitely offer new and salient proof of the valuable relationship we've built," said Bertrand Duplat, president of Virtools.

"Creating a game with Virtools technology clearly offers unquestionable benefits in the way of development – and the advantages really shine through in the overall technical quality of our games! By using Virtools solutions, we're able to meet all of our production needs and keep technical and budgetary risks to a strict minimum. Post Mortem is another concrete example of why we put our trust in Virtools," commented Olivier Fontenay, Production Director at Microïds.

For more info: http://www.postmortem-videogame.com/

About Microïds

Founded in 1985 by its current President Elliot Grassiano, MICROïDS is a French company that has been developing, editing and distributing video games for the last 15 years. Known as a developer for a long time, the company chose to expand through publishing and distribution in 1995. Since then, the company's turnover has increased constantly, in a spectacular manner

Essentially developer up to 1995, the society has gradually integrated publishing and distribution activities. Because of its strong editorial contents, MICROïDS comes up to the "gamers" aspirations as well as the aspirations of a large audience. This approach allowed the society to achieve excellent international sales such as "Fort Boyard", "Corsairs", "Amerzone" : its turnover has practically tripled in two years.

About Virtools™ Dev 2.1

Virtools' revolutionary technology allows users to create interactive applications by graphically assembling behaviors in Dev 2.1's intuitive interface. Flexible and easy-to-use, Virtools' reusable "behavior building blocks" accelerate the production cycle and reduce production costs, maximizing return on investment. Developers can use a library of over 400 standard behavior building blocks or program their own behaviors in C++ with Virtools' Software Development Kit (SDK).
Specific details may be found at http://www.virtools.com.

About Virtools™

Founded in 1993, Virtools™ enables Global 2000 companies and their integrators, as well as game studios, to develop and deploy 3D applications with game-like interactivity. Costs and timeframes are kept under control through a scalable set of software and server-based solutions that reduce the risks associated with developing interactive applications.

Intel and France Telecom are among the growing number companies that have benefited from Virtools technology. Using Virtools, clients reduce development costs and increase interactivity. Virtools software is used by online and offline game development studios such as: Electronic Arts, Microids, Microsoft Ensemble Studios, Warner Bros Online, Blue Fang games and Ubisoft.

More information at: http://www.virtools.com

Press contacts

Julie Ercolani
Virtools SA
93 rue Vieille du Temple
75003 Paris
Tel: +33 1 42 71 46 86
Email: ercolani@virtools.com