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Publishing industry

MGM and Lagardere Group Form Strategic Alliance in Interactive Media

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. (MGM) and the Lagardere Group, through Grolier Electronic Publishing and Matra Hachette Multimedia, have established a precedent-setting strategic alliance to create, develop and distribute interactive multimedia game titles worldwide. The agreement will primarily draw on source material from MGM and United Artists film and television production units, but also evaluate outside properties from third-party developers. This collaboration marks a significant step in the interactive multimedia arena, as the companies aim to create exceptional titles for the market.

Key Takeaways:

  • The alliance will initiate production on its first collaborative interactive project within 90 days, with the goal of shipping the title in early 1996.
  • The companies will draw from both internal and external sources, including MGM and United Artists film and television production units, as well as third-party developers.
  • The partnership will leverage MGM's studio skills and content assets with Grolier/Matra Hachette's development expertise, profitability, and success in interactive products.
  • MGM has already seen significant success with its first interactive release, "Blown Away," a live-action PC CD-ROM game based on the studio's 1994 movie.
  • The alliance will involve multiple business units from both companies, including MGM/UA Home Entertainment, which distributes over 4,500 video titles in the consumer retail marketplace.
  • Titles created under the new alliance will be developed for multi-platform delivery with initial focus on PC- and Macintosh-based CD-ROM, as well as other proprietary CD-ROM and on-line formats.

Statistics:

  • The Lagardere Group is a $11 billion Paris-based international publishing, communications, and technology company.
  • MGM has distributed over 4,500 video titles in the consumer retail marketplace through its MGM/UA Home Entertainment business unit.
  • The companies aim to create a broad portfolio of products and styles across various designers, artists, and technical experts.
  • The agreement is not exclusive, and both MGM and Matra Hachette are likely to enter into other interactive alliances in the coming months.

Sources:

  • PRNewswire, "MGM, Lagardere Group Enter into Strategic Alliance in Interactive Media"
  • MGM/UA Home Entertainment
  • Grolier Electronic Publishing
  • Matra Hachette Multimedia
  • The Lagardere Group

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