Collective/Backbone Merge Company: Foundation 9 The Collective, Inc., and Backbone Entertainment today announced their intention to merge, forming the largest independent developer in North America, Foundation 9 Entertainment, Inc. The new company offers publishing partners better technology, greater production capabilities, and deeper development resources across a comprehensive range of platforms and genres, including next-generation platforms. In addition, the company will be better positioned to invest in acquiring, creating, and further developing intellectual properties to bring to game publishers as well as partners outside of the videogame industry. ?The decision to join together and form the largest independent development company in North America was easy given our shared vision for the interactive entertainment market,? said Jon Goldman, CEO of Foundation 9 Entertainment, Inc. ?With the increasing complexity of next-generation platforms, we see great opportunities that can only be addressed by pooling talent and financial resources. We will be able to better invest in technology, processes and creative opportunities that will make us a key player in the future of game development and beyond.? ?We?ll be rolling out our strategy through upcoming partnerships that will foster new media opportunities for our publishers and other existing relationships,? said Douglas Hare, co-president of Foundation 9 Entertainment. ?Our intention is to continue to focus on our existing opportunities and expand our current game development business substantially through our increased capabilities.? The new management of Foundation 9 Entertainment includes Jon Goldman as CEO, Andrew Ayre and Douglas Hare as co-presidents, and Gary Priest and Mark Loughridge as co-chairmen. Richard Hare will serve as chief creative officer, and Jeff Vavasour will continue as vice president of Canadian operations. Steven Sardegna will serve as CFO and Larry Kelly as COO. Foundation 9 Entertainment?s labels have developed more than 250 titles, including more than 50 in 2004 alone. The company employs more than 300 employees in North America, and has offices in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, the San Francisco Bay Area, Vancouver, and Boston. -Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker Related Links: Foundation 9