Leading publisher Lighthouse Interactive and developer VSTEP today announced that they have extended their publishing deal to include the North American rights to Ship Simulator 2008; the acclaimed naval simulation game for Windows. The game will be released in Canada and the U.S. in Q1 2008. VSTEP will maintain the rights for online distribution.

Ship Simulator 2008 was released by Lighthouse in most European territories this year. The North American retail release will include all the free add-ons, including the upcoming multiplayer mode. Ship Simulator 2008 is the follow-up to the surprise simulation hit Ship Simulator released last year. Not only is the game Windows Vista compatible, but it includes brand new harbors like San Francisco, new vessels including jet-skis and hovercrafts, and also advanced weather conditions, waves, visible damage, enhanced ship bridges, multiplayer and open sea missions. Ship Simulator 2008 will amaze players with its progress and will rock their simulated world!

Ship Simulator and Ship Simulator 2008 have both received accolades from simulation fans, retailers and the press worldwide," said Steve Wall, VP of Lighthouse Interactive. "We are proud to be bringing this international hit to the North American market."

VSTEP's Technical Director, Pjotr van Schothorst added, "The North American version of the game will be packed with features including: 50 different single player and multiplayer missions, a Mission Editor, and the ability to track player profiles establishing their ranks in different ship classes."