TDK Mediactive and DreamWorks Extend Exclusive `Shrek' License Agreement for All Current Gaming Platforms; Long-Term Interactive Deal to Include Sequel
Business/Entertainment Editors & Retail/Video Game/Film Writers
Worldwide sales of TDK's "Shrek" interactive titles have been highly successful, exceeding 1 million units across four platforms (Xbox(TM), Game Boy(R) Advance, Game Boy(R) Color and PC CD ROM). Additionally, most of the titles are available in six languages and are currently available in North and South America, Europe and Australia. Plans are also underway to develop and sell titles in Asia and other territories, as well.
One of the highest-grossing movies of 2001, DreamWorks Pictures' "Shrek" has grossed over $481 million at the box office worldwide. On video, "Shrek" is the best-selling DVD of all time and was the number one video release of 2001.
"`Shrek' is not only a great movie franchise, but a powerful video game franchise, as well," said Vincent Bitetti, chief executive officer of TDK Mediactive. "It has developed into two synergetic entities, which can stand alone, as well as provide mutual support: `Shrek,' the DreamWorks movie character, and `Shrek,' the video game icon. Recognizing this unique strength, our development efforts have shifted from a license perspective to a video game franchise perspective, and we will begin this fall to release additional `Shrek' titles for various platforms," added Bitetti. "The `Shrek' titles will offer the captivating characters in a diverse base of immersive environments, game settings and categories."
"TDK is a great licensee for `Shrek,' and we are pleased to announce our continued business relationship," said Brad Globe, head of DreamWorks Consumer Products. "TDK has the experience and enthusiasm to build upon the momentum of the current video game titles and the success of the movie franchise."
About DreamWorks SKG
DreamWorks SKG was formed in October 1994 by its three principal partners -- Steven Spielberg, Jeffrey Katzenberg and David Geffen --to produce live-action motion pictures; animated feature films; network and cable television programming; home video entertainment; records; books; toys; and consumer products.
About TDK Mediactive, Inc.
Southern California-based TDK Mediactive, Inc. is a global publisher of high-quality interactive entertainment software for the PlayStation(R) 2 computer entertainment system, PSone, Xbox(TM) video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCube(TM) video game system, the Game Boy(R) Advance and the Game Boy(R) Color. The company also publishes titles for personal computers via a co-publishing agreement with Activision Value, a subsidiary of Activision, Inc. The company's games are based on licensed and original content derived from major motion pictures, video franchises, popular literature and popular culture. TDK Mediactive has exclusive technology and content licenses with Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Microsoft Corporation, Nintendo of America Inc., DreamWorks SKG, Vivendi Universal Studios, Mattel, Inc., Classic Media, R & S Trading, BKN International, DC Comics, Hallmark Entertainment Distribution LLC, BDSP Inc., The Jim Henson Company and others.
TDK Mediactive is 73% owned by TDK USA Corp., and is part of TDK Corporation's (NYSE:TDK) global effort to expand its offerings to consumers of entertainment-oriented products. More information about TDK Mediactive and its products is available at www.tdk-mediactive.com.