Formed in 1987 Empire Interactive is one of the most established and successful game software publishers in the world.
Headquartered in the UK, we have operations in every major territory in the world, and staff dedicated to each key link in the developing, publishing and distribution chain. Our success is based on 2 working practices:
A commitment to a high standard of product quality, and a dedication to involve our development partners in the entirety of the publishing process.
EARLY HISTORY
Founded in 1987, as a result of a merger between Entertainment International (UK) Ltd and Oxford Digital Enterprises, Empire Interactive began life as a leading software development company contracted by major publishers to develop both original and license-based titles.
The Company established its reputation with hit games for Disney, as well as titles such as The Hunt for Red October, Trivial Pursuit and Paul Gasgoine's "Gazza's Soccer".
Empire moved into the North America market with Pipemania - one of the few games to jump from the home console market to the arcades - launched on all major platforms, including Nintendo and Sega by LucasFilm.
RECENT HISTORY
More recently, Empire has concentrated on developing and publishing both its own product franchises as well as recognised licenses across all major platforms, from PC CD-ROM to Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo consoles.
Empire listed on the Alternative Investment Market ("AIM") in July 2000 to help fund the expansion into the new range of consoles.
The result of this can be seen in the success of games such as Starsky & Hutch, Big Mutha Truckers, Ford Racing, Bad Boys II, International Cricket Captain and Flat Out.
The company was acuired by Silverstar Holdings in November 2006.
Ian Higgins - Chief Executive Officer
Ian co-founded Empire in 1987 after initial exposure to the games software business with MicroDealer, part of the Mirror Group. Ian has the primary responsibility for the development of the sales and marketing side of Empire's business including the relationships with retailers, distributors and co-publishers in North America. Ian was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Empire on 7 June 2000.
Simon Jeffrey - Managing Director
Simon met Ian while at the Mirror Group and agreed to start the Empire business with him in 1987. Simon will continue to take primary responsibility for managing development, both internally and the relationships with third party developers. He was appointed Managing Director of Empire on 7 June 2000.
David Seftel - Financial Director
Following his graduation from Reading University with a BA in Economics, David became a qualified accountant with Saffery Champness. He became an assistant manager at BDO Stoy Hayward in 1985 and subsequently worked as a financial controller for two private companies between 1988 and 1997. David joined Empire in November 1997.
David Pain - General Manager Europe
A graduate of the Universtity of Surrey and Chartered Engineer, David joined ICL in 1987 and moved through a range of engineering, quality management and commercial roles to become general manager of ICL's literature and software operations. David entered the games industry in 1997 with Interplay as Operations Director and subsequently joined Virgin Interactive in an operations and commercial role before taking on the post of UK Sales and Marketing Director. David joined Empire Interactive in April 2002 and has recently completed an MBA at Reading University.
James Lamorticelli - General Manager USA
Jimmy is a graduate of St. Michaels College with a BA in Business and a graduate of Emerson College with an MA in Marketing. He has worked in the Interactive Entertainment industry for nearly 10 years. Jimmy's experience includes time at CyberDreams as the Director of Marketing & PR, Seven years at NovaLogic in various roles including positions as the Director of Marketing & PR, Director of Strategic Marketing and General Manager for the European Division. Jimmy started at Empire Interactive US in the Fall of 2000, and will focus on the growth of Empire Interactive in the North, Central and South American marketplaces.
Duncan Backus - Head of Legal and Business Affairs, and Company Secretary
A graduate from City of London Polytechnic with an LLB in Business Law and a qualified Barrister, Duncan entered the interactive games business in 1996 joining Electronic Arts for four years as their first lawyer for Europe later moving over to a dedicated business affairs role. Following two years in television, he then joined the Empire Group on 5th August 2002.
Roger Cheung - Head of Future Products
Roger obtained a BA in 3D design from the University of Wales and an MA in industrial design from the University of Central England. He joined Hasbro Europe in 1995 as a product designer for the toys and games group and subsequently became a producer for Hasbro Interactive. He joined the Empire Group in August 1998.
