Hip Interactive today announced that it has acquired the worldwide publishing rights to Stolen, a stealth-based action game currently in development at UK-based Blue 52. We first learned of Stolen back in July last year when we discovered a page dedicated to the game on Blue 52's official Web site, the page was removed almost immediately, and nothing more has been said about the game until today.

　　Stolen is described as a third-person stealth-based action game in which players assume the role of a high-tech female thief. The game's missions will basically involve players breaking into movie-style locations to steal priceless items, employing martial arts, athletic abilities, weapons, and high-tech gadgets, such as tracking devices, en route. Attempting to thwart the player's missions will be a number of enemies, including different security companies and systems with personalities and traits unique to them. Details on the game's storyline are scarce at present, save for the fact that it will have a mature theme and will be told through in-game cinematics.

　　"Blue 52 has impressed us not only by its amazing technology but also by its ambition and talent in reinventing the genre," said Graeme Boxall from Hip Interactive. "It is so rare these days to see a game that appeals to you immediately. Well, we have found it."

　　"Having worked with passion on Stolen for more than two years, we wanted to find the best home for it," added Jason Perkins, managing director at Blue 52. "We have definitely found it in Hip Interactive. Not only will they ensure the necessary publishing focus, they will also offer a genuine worldwide distribution through their North American and European setups."

　　Stolen has been in development for around two and a half years and is currently scheduled for release on "multiple platforms" in March 2005. Hip Interactive has already stated that it sees the game as a long-term intellectual property that will almost certainly be followed by sequels. We'll bring you more information on Stolen as soon as it becomes available.