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Activision Wins Gaming Rights to Transformers Franchise From Hasbro

The Hasbro Properties Group, the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. has granted Activision Inc., a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software products, the global rights, excluding Japan, to develop console, handheld and PC games based on Hasbro's renowned TRANSFORMERS brand. The first game will be tied to the much-anticipated July 4, 2007, movie release of the live-action TRANSFORMERS film from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures.

The TRANSFORMERS brand has been one of the best-selling boys' action brands, from toys to publishing to apparel, since its launch as a global property in 1984. Hasbro is gearing up one of its most ambitious worldwide marketing and merchandising programs yet to coincide with the live-action movie in 2007.

"We are thrilled to work with Activision to bring the widely popular TRANSFORMERS brand to the world of digital entertainment and introduce millions of consumers to our best-known TRANSFORMER and biggest hero of all time -- OPTIMUS PRIME," said Jane Ritson-Parsons, president of the Hasbro Properties Group (HPG). "As the leading developer of videogames, Activision shares our passion and excitement for the TRANSFORMERS story line. We know this world-class and creative team will bring TRANSFORMERS to life in powerful and exciting ways as we immerse a broad audience in this pop-culture phenomenon."

"TRANSFORMERS has all of the elements necessary to translate incredibly well into video games," said Mike Griffith, president/ceo, Activision Publishing. "We look forward to bringing the TRANSFORMERS robots to life with the latest interactive technology and graphics."

The Activision deal for the TRANSFORMERS brand marks the beginning of Hasbro's commitment to bring its well-known toy and game brands further into the digital media space, an effort that follows the reacquisition of its videogaming rights from Infogrames Ent. SA in June 2005.

"Videogaming is a natural next step for our classic properties as children and adults alike live more of their lives around technology," said Ritson-Parsons. "We see the digital arena as a great complement to the lifestyle experiences that we're providing to consumers in a variety of categories."

In addition to console, handheld and PC-based games, Hasbro will also expand the TRANSFORMERS brand's reach through ring tones, mobile gaming and a host of other products for gaming fans of all ages.

The live-action TRANSFORMERS movie from DreamWorks Pictures, Hasbro and Paramount Pictures, will be directed by Michael Bay (THE ROCK and ARMAGEDDON) from a screenplay being written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: 3). Tom DeSanto (X-MEN AND X2: X-MEN UNITED), Don Murphy (THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN) and Lorenzo di Bonaventura (FOUR BROTHERS) are producing the film, with Steven Spielberg and Hasbro's Brian Goldner exec producing.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision (www.activision.com), Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands.

The Hasbro Properties Group translates one of the industry's richest portfolios of brands into a world of fun and excitement for children and adults globally. Through a host of publishing, digital media, lifestyle and entertainment platforms, HPG is able to surround fans worldwide with consumer products that expand Hasbro's core brands, such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, G.I. JOE, TONKA and PLAYSKOOL.

Hasbro (www.hasbro.com) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys, ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide some of the most recognizable play experiences in the world.