Publisher and developer Konami announced that it will not end its distribution partnership with Atari Australia this February as originally planned, and will continue to work with the Infogrames subsidiary for its distribution in the region.
The two previously
agreed to end their ten-year distribution partnership after Namco Bandai
acquired a 34 percent stake in Infogrames' European and Asian distribution operations in September, and received exclusive rights to distribute Namco Bandai's titles in Australia.
Australian and New Zealand independent distributor Red Ant was scheduled to take over distribution duties this February, but it was
revealed last week that the company is now in major financial trouble and under external administration, largely due to Australia's weakening dollar.
Red Ant's other distribution partners include publishers such as Bethesda, Midway, SouthPeak, Deep Silver, and Capcom; its 2009 slate featured several major upcoming releases, such as
Resident Evil 5 and
Street Fighter 4.
“In view of the changing distribution landscape in Australia and the challenging economic times, Konami has reached agreement with Atari Australia that Atari will continue to distribute Konami titles in Australia and New Zealand for the immediate future,"
Konami told UK trade paper MCV.
The company continued, "The two companies have enjoyed a strong relationship for a number of years and are pleased to continue working together.”
