Category: Games

Spurred by SHREK 2's ranking as the #1 children's videogame in the U.S. for 2004, Activision Inc. and DreamWorks Animation announced that Activision will develop and publish videogames based on DreamWorks Animation's SHREK 3, which is scheduled for release in summer 2007.

Namco Hometek Inc. announced that Prema Toy Co. Inc. has awarded it the exclusive interactive entertainment publishing rights to the classic children's entertainment property, GUMBY. The deal allows Namco to create videogames for all game systems, featuring Gumby and all related characters, such as Pokey, Prickle, Goo and the infamous Blockheads. Namco also has the opportunity for Gumby to make cameo appearances in other upcoming Namco games.

Turbo Squid announced the launch of a new series of 3D mobile content in conjunction with face2face animation. face2face animation has launched its AniTones Mobile Character Player through the Turbo Squid Mobile Content Portal, which enables users to experience high-quality streaming animation on mobile phones.

Sony Online Ent. Inc. (SOE) announced a new launch title for the PSP handheld entertainment system. Developed and published by SOE, UNTOLD LEGENDS: BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE will be one of the few original titles developed in North America, and the only multiplayer action role-playing game (RPG) available at the system's launch.

Prism Ent. and Nickelodeon U.K., are rolling out their online kids environment the BIN WEEVILS into new territories in a far-reaching agreement with pan-European kids network, Nickelodeon Europe. From early 2005, children visiting the Websites of Nickelodeon channels in Sweden, Italy and Spain will all be able to join in the comedy-driven animated characters. To date, 281,632 children have registered as BIN WEEVILS at www.nickelodeon.co.uk and in November 2004 alone the site received 2,671,516 hits.

Sniderware has announced the launch of ERIC SNIDERS BLACKJACK for Palm OS.

With the current Texas Hold Em craze, the demand for casino-style games has never been greater, and weve delivered a winner with ERIC SNIDERS BLACKJACK, said Eric Snider, president/ceo of Sniderware. Players will really enjoy the sharp graphics and realistic gameplay.

With the success of Sony Computer Entertainment Europes virtual acting work on the upcoming interactive THE GETAWAY: BLACK MONDAY, Sony Computer Entertainment America will present it at Sundance, reports HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The goal is to highlight the game's cinematic aspects and Hollywood ties.

The sequel game, which ships Jan. 25, 2005, recreates 25 square miles of London's "Congestion Zone" and uses live actors for the game's central characters, utilizing them throughout the $20 million project's 18-month development schedule, which is rare for games.