Atari, AQ Interactive Sign Bullet Witch Deal

Game publisher Atari, a subsidiary of French publisher Infogrames, announced that it has signed a publishing agreement with Japanese publisher AQ Interactive regarding the upcoming Xbox 360 action title, Bullet Witch. The company noted that the deal signifies the beginning of what it calls an on-going co-publishing relationship between the two companies. Bullet Witch is described as a title that draws inspiration from American horror and Japanese fantasy monsters. In addition, Atari has noted that it will provide downloadable content for the game post-launch over Xbox Live, including additional character costumes and extra levels. The new deal could arguably fit in with Atari's recently announced commitment to games with "mass market appeal", though it is unclear how unilaterally that strategy is being followed through on. Atari currently has a pair of big budget next-generation titles scheduled to be released in the near future with Test Drive Unlimited and Alone in the Dark. Developed by Japan-based Cavia, Bullet Witch is set on a bleak planet earth in the year 2013 with human kind on the brink of extinction and hideous demons creating a tidal wave of destruction and havoc. All hope of mankind's survival rests with Alicia, a witch blessed with magical skills and a swift trigger finger. "We are very pleased to announce this partnership with AQ Interactive Inc. and look forward to working with them on Bullet Witch and beyond," said Nique Fajors, Atari's vice president of sales and marketing. "To offer an engaging and unique title such as Bullet Witch to kick start our partnership underlines Atari's commitment to bringing interesting and different titles to gamers all over the world."