ShoPro Ent. has signed a comprehensive licensing deal with Bandai America for a line of ZATCH BELL! video and trading card games that will be sold throughout the mass market. The news follows the recent announcement that ZATCH BELL!, an action adventure series aimed at boys 8-14, will make its television debut on Cartoon Network in spring 2005. The videogames will be available on all major platforms: PS, PS2, X-Box, GameCube, and Gameboy Advance.
Were very excited to be working with ShoPro Entertainments team to launch video and trading card games for ZATCH BELL!, said Bill Beebe, svp, sales and marketing, Bandai America. Bandais proven strength in the gaming sector and growth in the collectible games arena will prove advantageous as we work together to build a fan base for this unique property throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Partnering with Bandai America, a subsidiary of the third largest toy company in the world and an authority on toy development, is a tremendous opportunity for the ZATCH BELL! brand, said Cynthia Money, vp of consumer products, ShoPro Ent. Were eager to see Bandais product development in action. We know the gaming experiences they will create for ZATCH BELL! will deliver innovative and compelling game play.
From Toei Animation, the series follows the quest of Zatch Bell to become the benevolent king over all of the demons that have come to Earth to conduct the ultimate battle. Reluctant as he may be to fight against the evil demons, Zatch Bell battles his adversaries with the help of his human friend, Kory.
Bandai America Inc. (www.Bandai.com) is a subsidiary of Bandai Co. Ltd., the third largest toy company in the world, with 47 subsidiaries in 13 countries worldwide. Global interests include toys and childrens entertainment, video game software, multimedia, music, full-length feature films, vending machines, trading cards, candies and licensed apparel. Bandai America is headquartered in Cypress, California.
ShoPro Ent. (www.shopro-entertainment.com), headquartered in San Francisco, California, is a leading licensor of global animation and entertainment brands specializing in consumer products, retail development, promotions, special events, home entertainment, film distribution and publishing. ShoPro Ent. is an affiliate of ShoPro (Japan), a subsidiary of Shogakukan Inc., one of Japans largest publishing companies. ShoPro is responsible for all entertainment production, merchandising and marketing for Asia and ShoPro Ent. handles all programs outside of Asia, largely in the Americas and Europe.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
