United Developers LLC subsidiary MacPlay today announced plans to distribute U.K. based Virtual Programming Ltd.’s titles throughout the United States. The companies will first collaborate on the distribution of Europa Universalis II, a strategy game already released in the U.K.
The news mirrors earlier efforts MacPlay made to distribute in the US the games another U.K.-based Mac game publisher. Previously, Virtual Programming’s games were distributed stateside by Freeverse Software. Virtual Programming originally announced plans to bring Europa Universalis II to the Mac last year, but this is the first time the company’s U.S. distribution plans have been revealed.
Originally developed by Paradox Entertainment, Europa Universalis II brings players to the years 1419 – 1820, beginning with the Hundred Years War between France and England and culminating with Napoleon’s rise and fall. Players can control over 180 different nations ranging from European superpowers to China, African tribes, Native American tribes and more.
Players can use diplomacy and war at their discretion, negotiating trade agreements with neighbors or using expansionist tactics to build a mighty empire. The game incorporates editing tools to create new countries and historical scenarios, a tutorial system and an in-depth manual. Graphics reflect the weapons, vehicles and armor available from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Virtual Programming director Paul Lesurf noted that his company is developing more than 10 new titles for forthcoming release. “We’re excited to have MacPlay as our U.S. distribution partner and look forward to working together in the future,” he said.
Previous games released thus far by Virtual Programming include Payback, Kick Off 2002 and Wipeout 2097. The company has a number of other irons in the fire presently, including a role playing game called Another War, a racing game called Virtual Grand Prix 2, Celtic Kings, Tzar — Burden of the Crown, Fuel and Heart of Iron. MacPlay offered no further details about its future Virtual Programming title distribution plans, however.
Europa Universalis II will carry a suggested retail price of US$29.99. MacPlay plans to distribute it through its network of U.S. retailers and will sell the game from its e-store as well. Expect to see Europa Universalis II arrive in the U.S. this month.
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