Vivendi pacts with Mythic for 'Camelot'

Cyberbiz Brief

By MARC GRASER

Vivendi Universal Publishing has inked a deal with Mythic Entertainment to pick up the exclusive rights to distrib "Dark Age of Camelot," an Internet-based multiplayer pay-to-play game skedded to bow in the fall and compete heavily with Sony's popular, revenue-generating "EverQuest." As part of the pact, VU Publishing receives exclusive license to manufacture, market and distrib "Camelot" at retail locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. Mythic will co-publish the title for PCs with Abandon Entertainment. Mythic and Abandon have already inked a deal with Dimension to create a syndie TV version of the online game, which is expected to bow next year. The game takes place after the death of King Arthur, whose kingdom has splintered into three factions. Online players assume one of many roles and engage in battles. Upcoming Web site will be found at www.darkageofcamelot.com. VU Publishing owns software makers Blizzard, Sierra, Flipside and Universal Interactive Studios.