Codemasters, a leading video game developer and publisher has secured the global publishing rights to IGI 2, sequel to the award winning action game, Project IGI: I'm Going In. Scheduled to launch in Q2 2002 for the PC, IGI 2 is being developed by the original Oslo Norway based team, Innerloop Studios AS, and for the first time will include support for intense team-based multiplayer action.

For IGI 2, the superb, stealth-based, first-person shooter action returns, and continues the modern warfare and espionage theme of the original. The covert missions continue the career of David Jones, a former SAS soldier, now working freelance for the secret organization codenamed 'IGI'. IGI 2 takes place soon after the events in the previous title, bringing back key characters in a brand new story and new locations across the globe.

The spiraling plot will take Jones through Russia, across Libya and into China in three linked campaigns as he infiltrates a wide variety of locations including military airbases, harbors and secret government installations. Each mission expands the plot and is sequenced with impressive animated scenes that continue to absorb the player in the game's carefully constructed narrative.

It won't be an easy ride, for a completely new Artificial Intelligence system will give Jones' opposition the ability to work together as effective teams, using realistic combat tactics and electronic security systems to locate, hunt, and neutralize him. But at least he'll have the resources available to deal with them - whether hacking a security computer, sniping a guard from a distant tower, or storming a courtyard with all guns blazing. IGI 2 will feature an outstanding array of realistically modeled weaponry in both single and multi-player modes, from side arms and machine pistols to assault rifles and missile launchers.

"IGI 2 will be an incredibly strong game with an enthralling story line. The many fans of the first game will immediately feel at home, and a lot of effort has been put into further increasing the tension and excitement over the first game," said Henning Rokling, Managing Director of Innerloop Studios AS. "We're very excited to be working with the highly reputable and experienced team at Codemasters. We have full confidence in their ability to help make IGI 2 a smash-hit sequel."

Using its industry-leading landscape engine, Innerloop is creating breathtaking game environments including desert, temperate and even winter settings. The engine has been significantly enhanced and is capable of producing more varied and textured landscapes, more weather effects, night and low-light conditions and stunning water-based scenery.

"Innerloop Studios demonstrated exceptional expertise in the first-person-shooter arena with the original IGI, and their ambitions for this new title impressed us greatly," said Gary Rowe, Head of Business Development at Codemasters. "After the success of Operation Flashpoint, we're very excited to be working closely with such a creative team to produce a game that we're confident will be the most dramatic and entertaining first-person action adventure of 2002."

Codemasters is making the game a priority title and the acquisition of IGI 2 continues the company's successful third party publishing program. On the PC, Codemasters has had great success with titles such as Blade of Darkness (RebelAct Studios) and more recently the #1 best seller Operation Flashpoint (Bohemia Interactive) and continues to actively seek additional triple-A product.