Codemasters Signs Ken Block for DiRT2

March 30, 2009

LET’S BLOCK ‘N’ ROLL! CODEMASTERS®
SIGNS SUBARU RALLY TEAM USA DRIVER KEN BLOCK FOR DiRT
2
 

Ken Block feature video
reveals new hero of rally’s role as technical consultant and in-gamer mentor
for the next iteration of the legendary off-road racing game series
 

 

Ken Block,
the multi medal-winning Subaru Rally Team USA driver and co-founder of DC
Shoes, has been signed as one of the key motorsport athletes who will
feature in the eagerly anticipated DiRT2,
Codemasters® revealed today with the release of the ‘Ken Block Gets DiRTy Too’ feature video.

 

X Games team-mate of the late Colin McRae, Block
is at the forefront of a new breed of pro drivers, competing as Subaru Rally
Team USA Driver #43 in the Rally America National Championship and the
world-famous X Games. He has also gained notoriety for his mind-blowing
stunts in his Subaru WRX STI.  For DiRT 2, Block
is working with the development team at Codemasters Studios as technical
consultant, lending his wealth of knowledge to the game and advising on car
handling.

 

“Colin McRae is one of the main reasons that I
am a rally driver. He is a big inspiration to me and the way I drive my
rally car,” said Ken Block. “It’s really an honor to be a contributor
to the creation of DiRT 2 and to be able to continue the passion that
Colin had for rally and for these videogames.”

 

In the video released today, Block discusses his
relationship with McRae, how he was inspired by the rally legend to pursue
his own career and his involvement in the creation of DiRT 2.
Clips from some of Block’s best known videos and rally exploits showcase the
supreme control he has over his car and the style, finesse and sheer
audacity of his stunts, which has ensured that views of his online videos
number in the multiple millions and made him a hero amongst motorsport
aficionados worldwide.

 

“As one of the most talented and exciting
drivers on the rally scene today, Ken is a perfect fit for DiRT 2,”
said Gavin Raeburn, Senior Executive Producer, Codemasters. “His
insight into car handling and track design has already been invaluable to
the development team and his endless enthusiasm for the game and rally as a
great sport is absolutely priceless to us.”

 

Gamers will be able to join Ken Block for mud,
gravel, dust and dirt too in DiRT 2, coming this September for the
Xbox 360®, the PLAYSTATION®3 and Games For Windows® LIVE,
Wii™, Nintendo DS™ and PSP®. Catch the ‘Ken
Block Gets DiRTy Too’ feature video, now available from
www.dirt2game.com.

 


 


ABOUT DiRT 2


Melding turbo-charged off-roading with extreme
sports attitude, the eagerly anticipated next chapter in the legendary
racing series, Colin McRae:DiRT 2, will deliver a thrilling and
stylish off-road racing experience. Colin McRae: DiRT 2 takes
off-road racing games to a new level with thrilling new race types, big
event atmosphere, stunning locations, a new breed of off-roading heroes and
feature a peerless line-up of super-charged speed machines covering seven
vehicle classes.


 


Colin McRae:

DiRT 2 will take players on a World Tour ofadrenaline-fuelled extreme
off-road events in stunning real-world locations. Events include
exhilarating rally cross in the massive Los Angeles sports stadium’s
“Stadium King Shootout”, edge-of-control canyon racing of Utah’s “Creek
Trailblazer” event, the “Rawang Rally Run” along treacherous Malaysian
rainforest tracks and the “Battersea Battle”, where night races are staged
at the iconic London power station.Building on the technical and gameplay
benchmark of Colin McRae: DiRT and borrowing from snowboarding and
skateboarding lifestyle and culture, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 will
also add full online multiplayer and social networking functions, inviting
players to become part of an extreme sports community.


 


Titling information:


To be titled “Colin McRae: DiRT 2
in all territories outside of the U.S. where the game will be published as ‘DiRT
2
’.