Bethesda Announces Pirates of the Caribbean
March 27, 2003

Bethesda announced today that it plans on releasing Pirates of the Caribbean, based on this summer's movie, this June for Xbox and PC (with a later date for PS2).

This title is essentially replacing Sea Dogs II in Bethesda's lineup.  Bethesda has confirmed to us that development on Sea Dogs II has been suspended indefinitely and it will not be released this year, although there is still a possibility that it will be released sometime down the road.  Pirates is obviously based on the work done in Sea Dogs II though, as a comparison of this screenshot from Sea Dogs II with this new one from Pirates illustrates. Thus if and when the Sea Dogs brand does resurface, it'll probably look much different than we're used to.  It's a logical move, since a title tied into a major motion picture is sure to sell much better. The full press release is below, as are three new screenshots of the Xbox version:

March 27, 2003 (Rockville, MD) -- Bethesda Softworks® and Disney Interactive today announced that Bethesda Softworks will publish a Pirates of the Caribbean video game for the Xbox™ video game system from Microsoft, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and PC CD-ROM. Inspired by one of this summer’s most anticipated blockbusters, the game will bring swashbuckling adventures and rich worlds to Xbox and PC this June, and to PlayStation 2 at a later date.

Featuring stunning graphics, deep role-playing elements and thrilling quests, the Pirates of the Caribbean game offers players the unique opportunity to prove their mettle against the legendary buccaneers of the Caribbean.

“The Pirates of the Caribbean game transports players to the 17th Century where they can experience life as a pirate in any way they see fit,” said executive producer Todd Vaughn. “Whether they want to be feared by all and welcome nowhere, or just enjoy compelling missions or a life at sea, we’re creating a game that fits their gameplay style.”

The Pirates of the Caribbean video game is a unique role-playing experience with an intriguing storyline and the ability to explore everything the world has to offer. Deciding to become a cold-hearted mercenary for hire, a peaceful and profitable merchant or a swashbuckling pirate will influence future interactions. Gaining wealth and experience gives players the opportunity to hire crewmembers, sail larger ships, and uncover priceless treasures.

Players will enjoy advanced AI, incredibly detailed characters and vessels, breath taking views at sea, and lush, exotic locales. Enhancing the game’s realism, wind and water conditions will affect how ships sail and fight. Day and night lighting and beautiful water effects make the game come alive.

“The appeal of Pirates of the Caribbean is timeless. The franchise will now have the opportunity to transcend many entertainment mediums and genres,” said Sanjeev Lamba, vice president of marketing and international at Disney Interactive. “Bethesda’s reputation and expertise in creating compelling RPGs will make Pirates of the Caribbean a role-playing game experience that will reflect the true spirit of the franchise.”

About the Film: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
From producer Jerry Bruckheimer comes the rollicking live-action adventure “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, and Orlando Bloom, directed by Gore Verbinski. For the roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow (JOHNNY DEPP), the crystalline waters of the Caribbean, like the high seas the world over, present a vast playground where adventure and mystery abound. But Jack’s idyllic life capsizes after his nemesis, the wily Captain Barbossa (GEOFFREY RUSH), steals his ship, the Black Pearl, and later attacks the town of Port Royal, kidnapping the Governor’s (JONATHAN PRYCE) beautiful daughter, Elizabeth Swann (KEIRA KNIGHTLEY).

Elizabeth’s childhood friend, Will Turner (ORLANDO BLOOM), joins forces with Jack to commandeer the fastest ship in the British fleet, the HMS Interceptor, in a gallant attempt to rescue her and recapture the Black Pearl. The duo and their motley crew are pursued by Elizabeth’s betrothed, the debonair, ambitious Commodore Norrington (JACK DAVENPORT), aboard the HMS Dauntless. Unbeknownst to Will, there is a curse that has doomed Barbossa and his crew to live forever as the undead, where each moonlight, they are transformed into living skeletons. The curse they carry can be broken only if a once-plundered treasure is restored. Stunning visual effects bring these formidable foes to life as our valiant heroes clash mightily with Barbossa and his invincible pirates of the Caribbean.

For more information on the film, visit www.pirates.movies.com.

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Reported By: Jared Black