AOL announced that it would launch an online interactive game based on the popular SHREK franchise on April 26, 2007, three weeks before SHREK THE THIRD hits movie theaters. The game is co-produced by AOL, DreamWorks Animation and Mark Burnett Prods. AOL also announced that Hillshire Farm would be one of the sponsors of the game.
Titled YE OLDE SHREK THE THIRD ROYAL TOURNAMENT, the game poses a series of online challenges over a six-week period involving characters and settings from the movie. Each day, players will have the opportunity to solve new challenges and explore new areas -- in all, 25 individual games will be released over the course of the tournament. The game builds on the success of last year's FLUSHED AWAY UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE game as well as the original GOLD RUSH, which attracted nearly 11 million users and five blue chip sponsors, including Sara Lee Food & Beverage.
"SHREK is one of the most popular animated franchises of all time, and we are thrilled to be teaming up with Mark Burnett and DreamWorks Animation to create an immersive game based on the world of SHREK," said Mike Kelly, president of AOL Media Networks. "We are also pleased that Sara Lee Food & Beverage -- one of the sponsors of last year's FLUSHED AWAY game -- is once again joining us as a game sponsor this year."
"We are very excited about working with Mark Burnett and AOL again on another new game. This unique and immersive on-line environment allows fans of all ages to connect and interact with all of their favorite SHREK characters -- Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Puss In Boots and the fairytale creatures -- and also get to know our new cast of characters from SHREK THE THIRD," said Jeffrey Katzenberg, ceo, DreamWorks Animation. "And on top of that, they will have a chance to win some great prizes along the way."
"We're excited to partner for a second time with AOL and my friend Jeffrey Katzenberg with the creation of a revolutionary interactive gaming experience YE OLDE SHREK THE THIRD ROYAL TOURNAMENT," said Mark Burnett. "Parents and children alike will have the opportunity to absorb the characters and new plots before the movie even hits the theaters. This 360 degree approach to launching a film is the perfect companion to the mammoth promotional SHREK machine."
At the end of the Tournament, a grand-prize winner will be crowned. The winner will receive incredible prizes, including the ultimate family trip to Hollywood.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
