Infogrames®, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFGM) announced today that it has joined the Microsoft®TV Developer Program and plans to adapt several of its award-winning children’s CD-ROMs for interactive TV. The Company plans to develop new versions of games from its Humongous Entertainment® label for the Microsoft TV Access Channel Server, a server-based platform for delivering interactive services and diverse Windows® operating system-based content to current-generation and advanced digital set-top boxes.
Among the first titles to be adapted by Infogrames will be Freddi Fish 4™, Pajama Sam 3™ and Putt Putt Goes to the Circus™, which to date have sold more than 3 million CD-ROMs combined worldwide. The games will be accessible to children and their families through their cable service and on Microsoft Interactive TV just like any other cable channel and will be similar to the PC-versions, maintaining the full range of interactivity, creative graphics, and educational value. These exciting programs will be delivered by Microsoft TV Access Channel Server using the common TV and digital set-top box. The Infogrames games will be accessible through ordinary use of the remote control, just like any other cable channel.
“We’re very pleased to join the Microsoft TV Developer Program and to work with Microsoft as it creates a new and exciting platform for interactive television. The convergence of television, computing, and games creates an array of opportunities. The widespread appeal of the games we have chosen makes them the ideal titles to launch our expansion beyond the PC and into new markets,” commented Andy Hieke, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Infogrames’ Humongous Entertainment.
“With the unique ability of Microsoft TV Access Channel Server to deliver Windows-based games, edutainment and other content to current generation set-top boxes directly from the network operator head-end, popular PC-based titles can reach new markets,” said Alan Yates, vice president, sales and marketing, Microsoft TV Group. “Infogrames is proving that there is a wealth of rich, PC-based content that can be made available to television viewers through Microsoft TV Access Channel Server.”
“We’re pleased to be working with Infogrames,” said Nittai Hofshi, manager of Access Channel Server content programs for Microsoft. “Other developers of Windows-based applications can also take advantage of our software platform to extend their content and brands to new audiences via interactive TV. We’re seeking out and working with the most innovative leaders in this space to help them take advantage of this new opportunity.”
Microsoft TV Access Channel Server enables content producers and cable operators to tap into new revenue-generating opportunities, and provides access to large and new markets, while simplifying current retail distribution channels and providing superior security against CD piracy. The Microsoft TV Access Channel Server also extends the useful life of digital cable set-top boxes by delivering compelling new services and content, such as Windows-based applications, Internet surfing and e-mail functionality, and multimedia programs using a software solution that runs on a network operator's head-end. Because the solution is server-based, it also allows for easy and centralized maintenance and upgrading of all content and plug-ins. This is especially significant to cable operators, in lowering costs on both set top box replacements and continuous maintenance.
About Infogrames, Inc.
Infogrames, Inc. (Nasdaq: IFGM) is a leading publisher and distributor of video games for consoles (Sony, Sega, Nintendo, and Microsoft), personal computers and Macintosh systems. The Company’s award-winning franchises include Alone In The Dark™, Driver™, Deer Hunter™, Test Drive™, and Unreal™. Infogrames, Inc.’s Humongous Entertainment division is a leader in children’s entertainment software and its Macintosh publishing label, MacSoft®, is the number one publisher of Macintosh entertainment software. Based in New York, NY, Infogrames, Inc. is a majority-owned subsidiary of France-based Infogrames Entertainment SA (IESA) (Euronext 5257) and serves as the headquarters for the company's operations in North America.
Founded in 1983, IESA is a global publisher and distributor of video games for all platforms, as well as interactive digital television, mobile smart devices (WAP, HDML) and in-flight entertainment systems. IESA recently acquired Infogrames Interactive, Inc. (formerly Hasbro Interactive), including its line of software based on well-known licenses such as Monopoly®, Jeopardy®, Tonka®, and Atari®, which are distributed in the U.S. by Infogrames, Inc.
For more information, visit Infogrames' U.S. Web site.