Ubisoft gets Turtle Power

by: Chuck - posted: 1/11/2006 11:50:00 AM

Ubisoft has signed an agreement with 4Kids Entertainment and the Mirage group to develop a video game based on the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie.  There aren't a lot of details in the press release (like which platforms the game will be on) but given that the game and movie are coming out in 2007 it's safe to say it will probably be next generation platforms.  Hopefully the game is as good as the old four player arcade machine and not a watered down hunk of licensed crap.

UBISOFT TO DEVELOP VIDEO GAME BASED ON UPCOMING TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES® CG MOVIE

Ubisoft Signs Worldwide License Agreement with 4Kids Entertainment and Mirage Group

SAN FRANCISCO – JANUARY 11, 2006 – Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that it has signed an exclusive worldwide license agreement with 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) and Mirage Group to develop and publish Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles® a video game based on the new CG feature-length film being produced by Imagi Animation Studios and to be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures in the U.S. and The Weinstein Company internationally. Under the agreement, it is expected that the video game will be available for gaming consoles in conjunction with the movie’s planned release in early 2007.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie will be the first all CG animated movie in the history of the franchise. The PG-rated movie will derive its tone from the original comic-book series and will be grittier than the previous live action pictures.

“Ubisoft has demonstrated its strong commitment to making quality license-based games and truly understands the spirit of one of the world’s most famous children’s brands,” said Christian Salomon, director of licensing at Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is thrilled to be bringing the Turtles back in an exciting new adventure that will attract the first generation of enthusiasts all the way through to the current and future generations of fans.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been an international phenomenon for more than twenty years. The property began as an underground comic book and is now one of the most popular licenses; the 4Kids TVâ„¢ show is broadcast in more than 90 territories and the toys, movies and video games are popular throughout the world.

“We are excited that the Turtles are returning to the big screen in 2007 and pleased to partner with Ubisoft for the creation of a new movie-based Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video game,” said Alfred R. Kahn, chairman and chief executive officer of 4Kids Entertainment. “We are confident Ubisoft’s commitment to quality, strong international distribution and presence in the worldwide video game market will complement the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie experience and help generate added excitement for the Turtles brand.”

For more information about Ubisoft, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com and www.ubi.com.

About Ubisoft:
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge videogame titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of 538 million Euros for the 2004–2005 fiscal year, an increase of 8 percent over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

About 4Kids Entertainment
Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; product development; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web site at www.4KidsEntertainment.com and www.4Kids.TV.