HERTFORDSHIRE, UK– Avanquest [1], the largest publisher of children’s games in Europe, has teamed up with Space Enterprises [2] to bring top pre-school CGI animation show, The Hive, to the iPhone and iPad. The show is proving a huge ratings success on Disney Junior and ITV in the UK, as well as Disney Junior internationally, and ABC in Australia. Avanquest are looking to pick-up on the buzz by launching a suite of interactive games in the UK and a number of key territories on iTunes in July.
The deal comes at a perfect time for the brand, as other major licensing announcements have only recently been made by Space. Mookie Toys are launching Plush at retail in several territories from July, as well as having Master Toy geared for retail in Q1 2013, and LeapFrog (the bestselling children’s learning tablet) launch in June having picked up the global license for the show on the LeapPad and Leapster platforms.
The Hive is a hugely successful CGI series from The Hive Enterprises Ltd, produced by Lupus Films, Monumental Productions and DQ Entertainment. The show comprises 78 seven-minute episodes, which follow the fortunes of Buzzbee and Rubee the happy, friendly and extremely cute Bee family, who live together in The Hive. Storylines explore the themes of family, working together to solve problems, being part of a diverse community, and caring for the environment.
Simon Reynolds, European Games Director for Avanquest, comments:"Avanquest are delighted to be working with Space Enterprises on their children's brand The Hive. As the largest publisher of kids games in Europe, we are fortunate enough to be spoilt for choice with brands to work with, but few have the global appeal and quality of The Hive.” We are extremely excited with the upcoming launch of the iPhone and iPad app, and hope to have the privilege to work on further interactive projects for the brand."
Mark Hurry, Director of Licensing at Space Enterprises, comments: “Avanquest are a great partner for The Hive. We’ve had a chance to play with the initial suite of games, and they will definitely be a hit with kids and parents alike. We are thrilled to be making the brands first foray onto the iPhone and iPad platforms.”
Links:
[1] http://www.avanquest.com/
[2] http://www.spaceenterprises.co.uk/