Micro Application to publish 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey' in Europe

Publishing deal set for the highly anticipated action adventure

French software company Micro Application today announced it will publish 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey' in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the French speaking region of Canada. Funcom will act as publisher in North and South America, the Nordic region, and Asia.

"The amazing first images we saw of 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey' strengthened our belief in the creative talent of Funcom," said Rémy Poirson, Director of Game Marketing at Micro Application. "Micro Application's long-term goal is to become a significant pan-European publisher of leading games on PC and consoles. Dreamfall marks the beginning of what we hope will be a fruitful and continuing commitment to the games industry in Europe."

"We are very pleased to have Micro Application on board as our publishing partner," said Trond Arne Aas, CEO and President of Funcom. "Since our initial partnership on Anarchy Online we are well aware of Micro Application's unique strength in publishing and distribution. Together we will make sure that Dreamfall becomes a smash hit in Europe."

The first playable version of 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey' was shown at E3 2004, and received great acclaim from the gaming press. The game won "Best Adventure Game of Show" awards from GameSpy, GameSpot and IGN.

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Press release (23rd June 2004)

KE Media and Funcom have made a publishing agreement with Dreamfall – The Longest Journey.

Aarhus, September 2nd 2005

After thoroughly having searched for a Nordic distributor, Funcom has chosen KE Media as their partner. "We chose KE Media as our distributor of Dreamfall – The Longest Journey, as we found them to be best qualified" Ove Forseth states, Sales & Marketing Director of Funcom. "Among other things, KE Media has proved great results in their handling of the TAKE2 titles the past couple of years, and we hope that together we can cooperate and make Dreamfall a huge success in the Nordic countries", Ove continues.

We look forward to the future cooperation with Funcom. It is a pleasure to be able to distribute such a great and impressive title as Dreamfall, which has already won several prices at E3 prior to the launching.

Due for Xbox and PC spring 2006, Dreamfall is a third-person action-adventure set in The Longest Journey universe – a continuation of the saga begun in the bestselling and award-winning game.

http://www.dreamfall.com/

Source:

Press release (2nd September 2005)

dtp to publish Dreamfall in German speaking countries

Hamburg, 12/06/2005. German publisher dtp has just signed a publishing contract with French company Micro Application about the publishing of Dreamfall in the German speaking countries. The long awaited sequel to the legendary The Longest Journey will be on the shelves in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in April 2006. Dreamfall - developed for PC and Xbox - is one of the most desired adventures of 2006 and has been awarded with several high commendations, including "Best Adventure of E3" from Gamespot, GameSpy and IGN.

Dreamfall is a game of major importance to dtp's 2006 line up and its new international adventure brand ANACONDA, established in August 2005 ( www.anaconda-games.com). The Hamburg based company has become market leader for adventures in Germany, Austria and Switzerland with games like Runaway, Tony Tough, Black Mirror, The Moment of Silence, Sherlock Holmes & the Case of the Silver Earring and Nibiru. In 2006, dtp will expand its line up to around ten adventures and several games of other genres, including Runaway 2, Tony Tough 2, the lifestyle-sim Rich & Beautiful and the WWII stealth-shooter Sabotage.

dtp has recently licensed Tony Tough 2 to Micro Application, strengthening the ties to the successful French publisher.

Source:

Press release (12th June 2005)

FUNCOM ANNOUNCES ASPYR MEDIA TO PUBLISH DREAMFALL: THE LONGEST JOURNEY

**Highly Anticipated Sequel to The Longest Journey to be Released Spring 2006

Durham, NC (Jan 04, 2006)** – Funcom announced today that it has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Aspyr Media to publish Dreamfall: The Longest Journey in North America.

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, winner of multiple E3 awards as the best game in its genre, is the continuation of a saga that began in the award-winning The Longest Journey, considered to be one of the finest adventure games ever made. In Dreamfall, players are taken on an epic journey of exploration and adventure as they venture through a thrilling and emotional storyline. Dreamfall features a fully interactive world where beautiful music, stunning graphics, fascinating characters and unparalleled gameplay variety promises to bring the adventure genre into a new era. The game is to be released for Xbox and Windows in spring 2006.

"Aspyr's enthusiasm and dedication to the game combined with their historic focus on quality made them a perfect partner for Funcom when it came to Dreamfall, and we feel certain we have found a publishing partner which will aid us in greatly expanding our sales reach in USA and Canada," said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. "We firmly believe that gamers are craving fantastic stories in games. The amazing feedback we have received on Dreamfall so far shows that it's one of the most anticipated adventure games in years, and we truly look forward to delivering the entire journey this spring."

"The first time we saw Dreamfall, we were captivated by the art direction, pulled in by the gripping storyline, and impressed by its sophisticated gameplay variety" said Michael Rogers, president of Aspyr Media. "There is nothing like it in the market place. It is the next generation of adventure games."

In The Longest Journey players took on the role of April Ryan, an 18-year-old girl whose destiny was foretold in the prophecies. Having to save the balance between the twin worlds of science and magic, April`s journey took the genre by storm and redefined what an adventure game could be. In Dreamfall, which takes place a decade after The Longest Journey, players can finally revisit the epic universe. Not only will those who enjoyed the first game find out what really happened to April, new players can start afresh by following the new protagonist, Zoë Castillo, as she becomes involved in a conspiracy threatening the very future of mankind.

Dreamfall has already received numerous awards including "Best Adventure Game of E3" from Gamespot.com, Gamespy.com and IGN.com. More information about the game can be found on the official website www.dreamfall.com.

Key Game Features Unparalleled Gameplay Variety — Never before has an adventure game brought this much gameplay variety! Use your brains or your brawn; sneak, fight or talk your way through the many challenges the game offers. Be polite or rude, threaten or sweet talk; in Dreamfall you make the choice, resulting in a game where you never quite know what to expect next. * Three Playable Characters – Experience the story from three separate perspectives, and learn how their destinies blend together in an epic finale. Each character has unique abilities and world views, giving you constant gameplay variations. * Three Worlds - Dreamfall spans three beautifully realized worlds, multiple chapters and a stunning amount of detailed locations. Travel across a futuristic version of our earth, journey into a magical fantasy realm and unravel the mysteries of the world of dreams. * Unique World Interaction – Dreamfall introduces the brand new focus field feature which bridges the gap between the classic point and click adventure game, where you could click on any given point at the screen, and the action adventure, where you need to move up to an object to interact with it. In this easy-to-use context-sensitive interface you can scan your entire visible environment as seen by the characters, and use it to get information on far away objects as well as triggering remote gameplay opportunities. * Mature "Thriller"-type Storyline – Dreamfall delivers a mature and compelling storyline that mixes the futuristic, fantastic and spiritual with a tale of murder, deceit and a conspiracy threatening our very existence. Bringing the classic adventure game into the world of the modern action game, Dreamfall delivers a rare and special story experience. * Stunning Sounds and Soundtrack: Listen to an emotional and epic soundtrack in 7.1 surround. Hear gripping voices as recorded by more than 50 professional actors, and enjoy soundscapes bringing players to the edge of their seats * A game for everyone*: With its cinematic approach, believable characters, mature storyline and easy-to- grasp interface, Dreamfall is a game that anyone interested in games can pick up and enjoy, regardless of their gaming background.

Source:

Press release (4th January 2006)

DREAMFALL: THE LONGEST JOURNEY

**The breathtaking sequel to the critically acclaimed adventure game 'The Longest Journey' arriving on PC and Xbox in May

LONDON, ENGLAND, April 7th 2006** – Released in 2000 and acclaimed as one of the benchmarks of the 3D adventure game genre upon its release, ‘The Longest Journey©’ is now set to herald an eagerly anticipated sequel this May in the form of Dreamfall©, The Longest Journey, courtesy of Norwegian Developer, Funcom and Publisher, Empire Interactive, one of the UK’s leading independent game publishers.

The second instalment of an epic journey that began with ‘The Longest Journey’, Dreamfall is an action-packed thriller which is once again set to redefine the Adventure game genre with its incredibly ambitious, lively and convincing universe. Featuring three fully playable characters, each with their own distinctive playing style, personality and skill set, Dreamfall offers an exciting and diverse gameplay experience. And with multiple paths throughout the game with every situation offering multiple solutions, Dreamfall invites you to use your brain, your brawn and the environment to progress through the game YOUR way. (Have shortened and simplified)

In addition to its diverse cast of playable characters and its emergent gameplay, Dreamfall also has a rich canvas of worlds to play in and explore. There is Stark, a world of science in a realistic vision of an Earth of the future with locations spanning across a range of continents. To Arcadia, the world of magic, a fantasy realm with fantastic vistas and magnificent creatures. And The Winter, a mystical place outside of the boundaries of time and space, where a sinister black house holds a terrifying secret.

Three playable characters, beautiful art direction, unparalleled gameplay freedom, a great range of action approaches including combat, quests and set-pieces, an elaborate and intricate storyline, a dynamic screenplay and dazzling soundtrack; Dreamfall is about to deliver a unique, powerful and unforgettable gaming experience.

Game Features* Three fully playable characters, each with their own distinctive playing style, personality and skill set; Zoë Castillo, the smart and streetwise ‘girl next door’. April Ryan, the dark and angry rebel. Kian, the mysterious and exotic assassin * Three radically different game worlds to explore
Choose your own path – every situation has alternate solutions * Combat – hand-to-hand, or with sword and quarterstaff. Learn new moves throughout the game * Thrilling set-pieces – real-time cinematic sequences where you are in control of the outcome * Stealth – sneak past or distract enemies to avoid confrontations * Quests and Missions – converse with a multitude of diverse characters, make allies and enemies, embark on epic quests * Travel between worlds, play mini-games and immerse yourself in a powerful and emotional storyline * 7.1 surround sound featuring an original live orchestral soundtrack

Source:

Press release (7th April 2006)

Funcom launches new website for 'Dreamfall: The Longest Journey'-

**- New site available for the highly anticipated adventure game – New assets and media -

Durham, USA — April 11, 2006** – Funcom announces the release of a new Dreamfall: The Longest journey' website. Filled with exciting information, screenshots, art, music, videos, official forums and more, www.dreamfall.com is your one-stop resource for everything Dreamfall related.

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey', winner of multiple E3 awards as the best game in its genre, is the continuation of a saga that began in the award-winning 'The Longest Journey', considered to be one of the finest adventure games ever made. In 'Dreamfall', players are taken on an epic journey of exploration and adventure as they venture through a thrilling and emotional storyline. 'Dreamfall' features a fully interactive world where beautiful music, stunning graphics, fascinating characters and unparalleled gameplay variety promises to bring the adventure genre into a new era. Prepare for a spiritual, fantastic and powerful gaming experience.

www.dreamfall.com

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Press release (11th April 2006)

ONE WORD

TRIUMPHANT

COMPUTER GAMING WORLD

THE FUTURE HOLDS SECRETS ONLY THE PAST CAN REVEAL.

"FIND HER. SAVE HER."

Zoë is haunted by visions: A black house, a little girl and a desperate plea for help. Is it a dream - or a message? When her best friend vanishes, Zoë discovers a connection between her visions and a terrifying global conspiracy. Now Zoë must risk everything to find her friend and unravel the mystery. Her journey will take her across continents, to the end of the world and into the Winter - a place that holds the secrets of the past, and the key to the future.

[captions]

Stunning sights and sounds.

An amazing, modern adventure and a thrilling story.

Three playable characters. Three astonishing worlds.

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Back Cover - Windows (US)

DIE LÄNGSTE REISE BEGINNT

Dreamfall ist die Fortsetzung von "The Longest Journey". einem der besten Adventures aller Zeiten. Casablanca, 2219. Die junge Zoë Castillo wird in eine Verschwörung verwickelt, die mehrere parallele Welten und hunderte von Jahren umspannt. Die Welt wird von einer unbekannten Kraft bedroht: Elektrostatische Störungen bringen technische Instrumente zum Erliegen. Ursache scheint eine geisterhafte Erscheinung zu sein, die nur von wenigen Menschen wahrgenommen werden kann...

Als Zoë beginnt, nach einem verschollenen Freund zu suchen, entdeckt sie, dass sich hinter ihrer Welt eine weitere Welt verbirgt: die Welt der Magie. Von diesem Zeitpunkt an konzentriert sich ihre Suche auf den einzigen Menschen, der ihr helfen kann, sich aus ihrer gefährlichen Lage zu befreien: April Ryan.

Erleben Sie das größte Abenteurer Ihres Lebens und erkunden Sie gemeinsam mit drei einzigartigen Helden eine Welt voller Wunder, Rätsel und Gehemnisse...

• Drei steuerbare Hauptfiguren

• Große, liebevoll gestaltete und abwechslungsreiche 3D-Welten- Veränderung des Spielverlaufs und verschiedene Lösungswege

• Fesselnde Atmosphäre, filmreife Cutscenes
• Epischer, orchestraler Soundtrack

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Back of Case - Windows (Germany)

Reviews

Gamespy.com - Abenteuerspiel des Jahres -

"Dreamfall hebt sich so stark von der Masse ab, wir denken, dieses Spiel hätte immer das Zeug zum Hit, wann auch immer es erscheinen würde. Wenn Spiele irgendwann einmal mehr als bloße Farben und Sinneseindrücke werden sollen, braucht es solche Experimente, die die Entwicklung vorantreiben. Noch mögen Spiele keine "Kunst" sein, mit Dreamfall sind wir jedoch einen Schritt näher gekommen."

Lesen Sie den kompletten Artikel auf gamespy.com (Untere Hälfte der Seite)

Gamespy.com - #8 Bestes PC-Spiel des Jahres -

"Eine überwältigende Reise mit einigen der faszinierendsten Charaktere, die Ihnen je begegnet sind, und einer der atemberaubendsten, wundersamsten Landschaften, die Sie je erblicken werden."

Über dieses Spiel

Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, Gewinner mehrerer E3-Awards als bestes Spiel seines Genres, ist die Fortsetzung einer Sage, die mit dem preisgekrönten The Longest Journey begann, das von vielen als eines der herausragendsten Abenteuerspiele aller Zeiten bezeichnet wird. In Dreamfall werden Spieler auf eine epische Reise voller Entdeckungen und Abenteuer geschickt, die mit einer spannenden und emotionalen Story verbunden ist. Dreamfall beeindruckt mit einer vollständig interaktiven Welt, in der klangvolle Musik, atemberaubende Grafik, faszinierende Charaktere und unglaublich abwechslungsreiches Gameplay eine neue Ära des Abenteuerspiels einläuten. Seien Sie bereit für ein spirituelles, sagenhaftes und mitreißendes Spielerlebnis.

• Unglaublich abwechslungsreiches Gameplay Noch nie war ein Abenteuerspiel so vielfältig! Setzen Sie Ihre Muskeln oder Ihr Gehirn ein, und bestehen Sie die vielen Herausforderungen im Spiel mit List, im Kampf oder durch Ihre Überzeugungskunst. Seien Sie höflich oder grob, drohen Sie oder beeindrucken Sie mit Ihrem Charme; in Dreamfall haben Sie die Wahl. In diesem Spiel wissen Sie nie genau, was als Nächstes passiert.
• Drei Spielerfiguren Erleben Sie die Geschichte aus drei verschiedenen Perspektiven, und erfahren Sie, wie die drei Schicksale sich in einem epischen Finale zusammenfügen. Jeder Charakter verfügt über einzigartige Fähigkeiten und Ansichten und sorgt so für unzählige verschiedene Spielvariationen.
• Drei Welten In Dreamfall spielen Sie in drei aufwändig gestalteten Welten mit mehreren Kapiteln und auf einer beeindruckenden Anzahl an detailgetreuen Schauplätzen. Reisen Sie durch eine futuristische Version unserer Welt in ein verzaubertes Fantasiereich, und lösen Sie die Mysterien der Winterwelt.
• Einzigartige Interaktion Dreamfall schließt mit seiner innovativen Fokusfeld-Funktion die Lücke zwischen den klassischen Point-and-Click-Abenteuerspielen, in denen Sie auf jeden beliebigen Punkt auf dem Bildschirm klicken können, und den Action-Abenteuern, in denen Sie auf die Objekte zugehen müssen, mit denen Sie interagieren möchten. In dieser bedienerfreundlichen, kontextsensitiven Umgebung können Sie die gesamte, aus der Perspektive der Charaktere sichtbare Umgebung absuchen, Informationen über weit entfernte Objekte anzeigen oder auch entfernte Spieloptionen wahrnehmen.
• Ausgereifte, packende Geschichte In Dreamfall verfolgen Sie eine ausgereifte und mitreißende Geschichte, in der futuristische, sagenhafte und spirituelle Elemente mit einer Handlung über Mord, Verrat und ein lebensbedrohliches Komplott kombiniert werden. Dreamfall bietet Ihnen mit der gelungenen Mischung aus klassischem Abenteuerspiel und modernem Actionspiel eine neue und außergewöhnliche Spielerfahrung.
• Atemberaubende Sounds und beeindruckender Soundtrack Hören Sie den emotionalen und epischen Soundtrack in 7.1-Surround. Genießen Sie fesselnde Stimmaufnahmen von über 50 professionellen Schauspielern und Hintergrundsounds, die den Spieler gebannt innehalten lassen.
• Ein Spiel für alle Das Vorläuferspiel „The Longest Journey“ war vor allem bei Frauen sehr beliebt, die 50 % der Spielerschaft ausmachten. Durch den filmhaften Ansatz, glaubwürdige Charaktere, die ausgereifte Geschichte und die leicht verständliche Oberfläche kann jeder Teenager oder Erwachsene ungeachtet seiner bisherigen Spielerfahrung Dreamfall von Anfang an genießen.

Source:

store.steampowered.com (German)