Cartoon Network and Take-Two Licensing have announced a long-term partnership giving Take-Two "first look" rights to publish and distribute videogames based on Cartoon Network properties targeted to kids ages 6-11. As part of the deal, Cartoon Network will present new properties to Take-Two at the earliest stages of series development.
Under the partnership, Take-Two may exercise worldwide rights to produce games for all future properties owned by Cartoon Network that are targeted to kids ages 6-11. Take-Two will produce interactive titles for multiple platforms, including PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Game Boy Advance, PC, PlayStation and future platforms. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the licensing agent for Cartoon Network, played a role in structuring the deal.
Take-Two will begin by producing games based on Cartoon Network's CODENAME: KIDS NEXT DOOR, with a Game Boy Advance title scheduled for holidays 2004.
"As everyone has finally started to recognize, kids don't want to just watch television -- they expect to be able to interact with their favorite characters and build their own storylines, which is the promise that interactive gaming fulfills so well," said Jim Samples, evp/gm, Cartoon Network Worldwide. "This partnership with Take-Two will not only make us better at developing shows that can make the leap into the interactive realm, but it will help Cartoon Network create new multimedia brands that quickly and seamlessly crossover from television to the world of videogames and other consumer products to become an important part of a kid's life, and not just a TV show."
"Both Cartoon Network and Take-Two have been successful in creating worldwide entertainment brands," said John Friend, svp of Cartoon Network Enterprises, Cartoon Network's licensing division. "This partnership will harness the strengths of both companies to build on existing brands and create new ones. Ultimately, we hope to see the simultaneous launch of a new series with a multi-platform videogame."
"We are extremely pleased to work with Cartoon Network and form such a significant relationship with an established and well respected children's entertainment enterprise," said Bill Gross, gm of Take-Two Licensing. "Cartoon Network is an ideal partner for Take-Two and we appreciate their commitment to our strategy to expand our product offerings of children's interactive entertainment."
Cartoon Network (http://CartoonNetwork.com), seen in 86.2 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering animated entertainment. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest-rated networks.
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. is an integrated global developer, marketer, distributor and publisher of interactive entertainment software games and accessories. The company publishes and develops products through its wholly owned subsidiary labels: Rockstar Games, Gathering, Global Star and Joytech. The firm maintains sales and marketing offices in Cincinnati, New York, Toronto, London, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Milan, Sydney, Breda (Netherlands) and Auckland. For more information, visit www.take2games.com.
Rick DeMott
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