July 11^th, 2005 (1:40pm) - Empire Interactive’s FlatOut has yet to be released in North America, but based on the warm reception of the first game in Europe, the game’s developer, Bugbear Entertainment, is already underway with a sequel and Vivendi Universal Games will return to publish the game in North America.

FlatOut 2, one of Empire’s key frontline titles, builds on the success of the first installment, also distributed in North America by VU Games. Developed by the Finnish developer Bugbear Entertainment, FlatOut 2 is a racing game where players race around fully destructible environments in one of 16 fully customizable and upgradeable cars. FlatOut 2 is expected to launch in 2006 on Sony PlayStation 2, Microsoft Xbox and PC.

"We are very thrilled about FlatOut 2 with its revolutionary physics and great gameplay," said Ian Higgins, CEO of Empire. "Teaming up with VU Games was a natural decision and we anticipate the title to be a hit on both sides of the Atlantic."

"We are excited to continue our successful relationship with Empire Interactive with the newly signed distribution agreement for FlatOut 2," said Philip W. O’Neil, Chief Operating Officer and President of North America for Vivendi Universal Games.

The original FlatOut is scheduled to hit North American retail shelves this month for PlayStation 2, Xbox and PC.