Rugby World Cup 2011 Aims for Realism, Tournament Drama

HB Studios and 505 Games have been officially announced as being the recipients of the IRB license to develop and launch Rugby World Cup 2011, the official video game of the upcoming tournament that will take place in the fall in New Zealand.

The two companies are saying that they will be launching Rugby World Cup 2011 on both the Xbox 360 from Microsoft and the PlayStation 3 from Sony, but it seems that this time around PC gamers will not have a chance to reshape the fate of the upcoming New Zealand matches.

The game will include full simulation for the 20 countries that are taking part and the player will be able to tweak line ups and create the complex tactics needed to progress past the tough group stage and then take a shot at the Webb Ellis Cup.

The developers at HB Studios are saying that they will aim to deliver an accurate experience which reflects both the realities of the modern rugby game and put the player in a central position, able to influence the game at any time.

Rugby World Cup 2011 will include online play using the Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network

Bernard Lapasset, who is the chairman of the International Rugby Board, has stated, “We are delighted that there will be an official game of Rugby World Cup 2011, delivering the ability to boost the tournament experience for Rugby fans whilst growing the appeal and profile of our sport across all markets. This game will capture the emotion, passion, drama and excitement of what is the biggest sporting event of the year.”

Ian Howe, who is the managing director working at 505 games, added, “It’s a huge coup for 505 Games to be working with HB Studios on this opportunity and we could not be any more excited about this title. Rugby World Cup is one of the top sporting events on the planet and HB Studios have proven time and time again that they are experts in developing sports games that deliver on every level.”