SUNFLOWERS sends news of plans for another installment in their ANNO series of strategy games. Here's the deal:

Heusenstamm. SUNFLOWERS has commissioned Mainz-based studio Related Designs with the development of an ANNO game. The ANNO empire-building games developed by Max Design are not affected by the new deal.

The emphasis in the new PC game with the working title "ANNO War" will focus more on combat than previous ANNO games and should become a strategy genre AAA top seller for Christmas 2005. To this end the Related Designs team is being increased from their previous 10 to at least 25 members, who can count on active support from SUNFLOWERS.

SUNFLOWERS president Adi Boiko is pleased about the cooperation. "In Related Designs we've found the perfect partner for the ambitious goals we've set for ANNO War. Related Designs has already had a great deal of experience in developing strategy games. Now, for the first time, they can enjoy a large budget and SUNFLOWERS' active support as they develop a AAA title."

Related Designs' manager Thomas Pottkamper "We're extremely happy to have found a partner in SUNFLOWERS, who have made it possible for us to truly fulfill our potential for the fist time ever. We are certain that the close cooperation with SUNFLOWERS will allow us to develop an international top seller."