On Feb. 14, 2004, Website www.JETIX.tv and TV networks ABC Family and Toon Disney will simultaneously launch "Jetix Cards Live!," the world's first trading card game that is played concurrently on TV and online. Web surfers and TV watchers will have the opportunity each weekend during the channels' new Jetix action/adventure line-up to play. The online trading card game, with skill levels designed for a range of ages, was developed by the New Media and Technology team at ABC Cable Networks Group.
The game coincides with the launch of Jetix, a new action/adventure programming line-up, which includes POWER RANGERS DINOTHUNDER and the hit anime series BEYBLADE and DIGIMON. ABC Family airs Jetix daily (weekdays, 7:00 - 9:00 am and weekends 7:00 am - 12:00 noon, ET/PT). Toon Disney presents the Jetix programming block Monday-Thursday 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., ET/PT and weekends 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., ET/PT.
After registering at www.Jetix.tv, users receive a virtual pack of 40 "Jetix Cards" each highlighting characters and elements of the action/adventure programming, which range in rarity and can be collected in a customized online album. Every day, players who log in receive a booster pack of more virtual cards. Gamers can take their cards and ply against the "Jetix Master." Points are tallied automatically according to how well the user played their cards. A Leader Board, with the names of high scorers from each round of "Jetix Cards Live!" will be displayed online at the end of each game and on TV the following weekend. The top 100 scorers have the opportunity to be selected as the next "Jetix Master," playing against all other competitors.
Eleo Hensleigh, evp, worldwide brand strategy, ABC Cable Networks Group, said, "A whole new generation uses media in a different way and this exciting game, converging TV and the internet, will enhance the entertainment value for our young viewers and encourage strategic thinking, competition and skills mastery."
"We have taken Jetix to the next level of engagement by incorporating our experience creating content for this age group with an outstanding game engine from ABCs Enhanced TV Group, said David Watson, exec director of new media and technology, ABC Cable Networks Group.
ABC Family and Toon Disney are divisions of the Walt Disney Company. To find out more about them, visit www.abcfamily.com or www.toondisney.com, respectively.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
