“Mr. Markham had a history of creating best-selling franchises,” said James Kosta, Chief Executive Officer of 3G Studios, Inc. "and we had faith in his ability to create original properties and form new strategic partnerships. However, after 8 months we have found that a productive and creative relationship is unachievable. We’re saddened to announce the Board’s decision to end the relationship.”

Markham joined 3G in February, 2007, after leaving Vivendi-Universal as Chief Creative Officer. At 3G’s Tahoe studio, he was responsible for the creative direction of the studio, strategic relationships, and next generation initiatives. Prior to joining Vivendi Games, Markham founded Gray Matter Studios and produced the award winning series Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Redneck Rampage.

"At times, we had the opportunity to see Mr. Markham as a creative and imaginative individual,” continued Kosta, “and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

He continued, "3G Studios has just finished SWAT:Target Liberty with Vivendi (Sierra) Games. Now our Tahoe studio is hard at work on an unannounced title with another major publishing partner for Sony PlayStation3, Microsoft Xbox 360, and PC. We are also in the execution stage of opening a new studio solely focused on the Nintendo Wii. We hope to be able to release more details to the press and public soon."

Markham will be responsible for the creative direction of the studio, strategic relationships, and next generation initiatives. Prior to joining Vivendi Games, Markham founded Gray Matter Studios and produced the award winning series Return to Castle Wolfenstein and Redneck Rampage. He also designed the critically acclaimed best-seller Kingpin. Markham's primary role at 3G Tahoe will be overseeing the design and production of the studio's next-gen properties.

"Drew Markham is a very talented and creative leader in the video game industry", said James Kosta, 3G Chief Exec. "His broad industry knowledge, creative insights and years of gaming experience have seen him create some of the most successful video games in the industry's history. His experience will bring tremendous advantages to 3G. We anticipate that Drew will add that extra creative edge to the games we are developing."

He continued, "3G Studios is currently in development on one unannounced AAA title with Vivendi Games, one unannounced title with another major publishing partner and working on several original games for the Nintendo Wii, Sony PS3 and PSP, Microsoft 360, and PC. We hope to be able to release more details to the press and public following Game Developer Conference next month."

Markham said, "I am excited to be joining such a talented and established group at 3G Studios. I see the potential this studio has to make some amazing games that will appeal to a worldwide audience. As a Director at Vivendi Games, I was blessed to work with some of the most influential people and studios in the industry today. 3G Studios is a Vivendi partner currently working on a AAA product. They really impressed me with their technology, infrastructure and creative direction and now I see us becoming the next big developer. Vivendi is going to continue to be a top-tier publisher and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with them. For me it was time to get back to the thing I enjoy most about this business: getting my hands dirty and making best-selling games."