SAN DIEGO, Aug. 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT:MCZ) (TSX:MCZ) announced today that it has teamed up with Cloud Imperium® Games to create a range of officially licensed simulation products for Star Citizen®, and its groundbreaking science fiction universe. The new range of hardware is expected to ship in 2016 and will be released under the Company's Saitek simulation brand.

From the mind of Chris Roberts, acclaimed creator of Wing Commander and Freelancer, Star Citizen delivers the next generation of space flight simulation gaming, combining FPS (First Person Shooter) combat and persistent MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) gameplay to create a living, breathing first person universe capable of truly unlimited gameplay experiences. In addition, through the game's advanced Newtonian physics engine, Star Citizen enables players to experience an unparalleled space sim flying experience with ship control, performance and response calculated based on dozens of dynamically generated physics based variables.

"As one of this current generation's most anticipated games, we are excited to be working alongside the creative forces behind Star Citizen to create a full range of simulation products that we believe will bring an added dimension of immersion to the Star Citizen experience," said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz. "We continue to focus on expanding the range and reach of our Saitek brand and working alongside Cloud Imperium Games is yet another sign of our intent to grow our business further through strategic partnerships."

"We are delighted to partner with Mad Catz to help us deliver the full immersive experience in Star Citizen," said Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games' co-founder and creative director. "Star Citizen already has a history with Saitek. While building the original Star Citizen prototype I showed the Saitek X52™ to the artist modeling the Anvil Hornet cockpit for inspiration on what the joystick and throttle could look like. Also the X52 was featured in a few of our early crowd funding videos. The experts at Mad Catz have a brilliant track record for creating hardware that brings the space sim experience to reality. I couldn't be more pleased and we are looking forward to seeing the new Star Citizen product line."

For additional information please visit: http://www.saitek.com/starcitizen/

About Mad Catz

Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. ("Mad Catz") (NYSE MKT:MCZ) (TSX:MCZ) is a global provider of innovative interactive entertainment products marketed under its Mad Catz® (gaming), Tritton® (audio), and Saitek® (simulation) brands. Mad Catz products cater to passionate gamers across multiple platforms including in-home gaming consoles, handheld gaming consoles, Windows® PC and Mac® computers, smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. Mad Catz distributes its products through its online store as well as distribution via many leading retailers around the globe. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Mad Catz maintains offices in Europe and Asia. For additional information about Mad Catz and its products, please visit the Company's website at www.madcatz.com

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About Cloud Imperium Games

Cloud Imperium Games Corporation and its subsidiary Roberts Space Industries Corp. were founded in April 2012 by renowned game developer Chris Roberts (Wing Commander, Freelancer, Privateer) and his business partner and long-time international media attorney Ortwin Freyermuth. Operating from Los Angeles and Austin under Roberts' leadership and using his long-standing relationships in the game space, Cloud Imperium quickly assembled a top tier development team for the creation of art assets, story elements, and an extensive prototype for Star Citizen. Once UK-based Erin Roberts joined in 2013 to contribute his extensive background in game production, Roberts and Freyermuth added CIG's international operations in Manchester, UK to develop the mission driven Squadron 42 which is set in Star Citizen's first person universe. Star Citizen and Squadron 42 are being marketed and launched via https://www.robertsspaceindustries.com. More information about the company, including jobs and contact information can be found at https://www.cloudimperiumgames.com.

© 2012-2015 Cloud Imperium Games Corporation & Roberts Space Industries Corp.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Information in this press release that involves the Company's expectations, business prospects, plans, intentions or strategies regarding its future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "should," "plan," "goal," "believe," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. Among the factors that could cause the Company's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include the following: the ability to maintain or renew the Company's licenses; competitive developments affecting the Company's current products; first-party price reductions; availability of capital under our credit facility; commercial acceptance of new in-home gaming consoles; the ability to successfully market both new and existing products domestically and internationally; difficulties or delays in manufacturing; unanticipated product delays; or a downturn in the market or industry. A further list and description of these and other factors, risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the Company's most recent annual report, and any subsequent quarterly reports, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to the Company as of the date of this release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of the Company and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Mad Catz, Saitek and the Mad Catz logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., its affiliates and/or subsidiary companies. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Mad Catz Communications: Alex Verrey Global PR and Communications Director averrey@madcatz.com or +44 (0) 1633 883 133 Karen McGinnis Chief Financial Officer kmcginnis@madcatz.com or (619) 683-9830 Investor Relations: Joseph Jaffoni, Norberto Aja, Jim Leahy J C I R mcz@jcir.com or +1 (212) 835 8500 Cloud Imperium Games: David Swofford david.swofford@cloudimperiumgames.com or +512 750-9098