CODEMASTERS TO CREATE IRL VIDEO GAME FOR CONSOLES, PC
Official Release

INDIANAPOLIS -- Codemasters has signed as the exclusive console and PC game rights holder to the Indy Racing League and the Indianapolis 500 in an agreement with Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LLC.

An official IRL game will debut in 2003 for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles and for the PC.

“We’re very excited that Codemasters is developing an Indy Racing League video game,” said Tony George, president and CEO of the Indy Racing League and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Many fans have requested such a game, and we know it will help increase the worldwide exposure and growth of Indy Racing League teams and drivers, considering the explosive growth of gaming.”

The deal further strengthens Codemasters’ world-class portfolio of motorsports properties. The company is already responsible for the brand-leading rally title with “Colin McRae Rally” and the best-selling touring car racing game with the “TOCA” series. The IRL license now provides Codemasters with the opportunity to lead in the open-wheel racing game category.

The worldwide deal provides Codemasters with rights to use all current, future and historical images of the Indianapolis 500, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League that are owned by Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. This includes the rights to use the real IRL teams and drivers from the 2002 season onward.

Codemasters has commissioned Brain in a Jar, a British games developer known for its previous work on the “Ferrari 360 Challenge” project, to produce the official IRL game.

“Codemasters is responsible for some of the most respected and successful console racing games ever,” said Nick Wheelwright, Codemasters managing director. “Together with Brain in a Jar we are going to deliver a game based on the exciting IRL series which will continue our own exceptionally high standards.”

Said Matthew Gabriel, Brain in a Jar managing director: “We are delighted to be working with Codemasters on this project. As fans of all types of motorsport, we are looking forward to the challenge of working on such a high-profile licence. Brain in a Jar will develop a game worthy of this great racing series.”

The Indy Racing League is America’s premier open-wheel, oval-track auto racing series. It was founded in 1994 based on the rich traditions of the Indianapolis 500, with its first race in 1996. The league has a 15-race schedule in 2002, with events in major markets from coast to coast.