Her Interactive announced that the NANCY DREW game series, developed by Her Interactive and published by Her Interactive and DreamCatcher Games, is ranked the No. 1 PC Adventure franchise in unit sales, according to the NPD Group Inc.
Helping boost the NANCY DREW franchise into the No. 1 spot are two new titles, NANCY DREW: CURSE OF BLACKMOOR MANOR and NANCY DREW: THE SECRET OF SHADOW RANCH, which are ranked three and four respectively.
"The NANCY DREW series has continued to build momentum over the years and we are thrilled to be in the top PC adventure slot heading into the 2004 holiday season," said Megan Gaiser, president of Her Interactive. "NANCY DREW is one of those 'sleeper' hits that sort of just creeps up on you. With each new release, our traditional tween demographic has expanded tremendously reaching women as well as boys and men. Our goal has always been to create high quality mystery adventure games and based on our retail standing, consumers of all ages and gender obviously agree that we're doing a great job."
Her Interactive has received more than 35 awards for the NANCY DREW series since it's debut in 1999. Most recently, NANCY DREW: THE SECRET OF SHADOW RANCH and NANCY DREW: CURSE OF BLACKMOOR MANOR received iParenting Media's Best Software Awards. In addition, the NANCY DREW games have won nine consecutive Parents Choice Awards, and have been heralded in the press for their storyline, character development and graphics.
The NPD Group also released data citing that women comprised 57.5% of PC game buyers (unit sales) in Q3 2004, compared to men at 42.5%. "We always knew that girls and women would join the party for the 'right' games," said Gaiser. "We built a company on that belief and after years of focus group testing and just talking with young girls, teens and women, we delivered a game series that met their criteria for adventure, mystery and fun. Women have become a powerful buying force in the videogame industry and we plan to keep creating games that will always be on their 'must have' shopping list."
Debuting in 1930, Nancy Drew is a smart, independent, gutsy and resourceful teen detective who can crack even the toughest case. NANCY DREW is published in 22 languages and more than 100 million copies in print worldwide.
Her Interactive creates intelligent, interactive entertainment for girls of all ages. The company designs, develops and publishes award-winning games that offer role-playing, mystery and adventure. More information about the company and the Nancy Drew games can be found at www.herinteractive.com.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
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