Codemasters and Templar Publishing to bring 14 million-selling 'Ology book series to Wii and Nintendo DS

Codemasters, a leading creator and publisher of critically acclaimed video games, and The Templar Company PLC, the parent company of Templar Publishing, today announced a worldwide licensing agreement that will see the creation of a series of original video game titles based on Templar's 14 million-selling 'Ology series of books.

The deal will see Templar Publishing's best sellers Dragonology , Wizardology and Pirateology , each a fascinating and entertaining encyclopaedic journal packed with multi-textured content and paper-engineered extras, realised as individual video game titles exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS.

Codemasters will publish two editions of each title, one for Wii, with play centred on action gaming, and the other for the Nintendo DS, which will embrace explorative gameplay in the form of an interactive book. Dragonology will be the first title in the series and is expected to launch in the second half of 2008.

"Extending Codemasters' reach in the family entertainment category, this alliance with Templar further demonstrates the continued growth and diversification of our portfolio," said Barry Jafrato, Senior Vice President of Brand, Codemasters.

"With each title based on a popular fantasy theme and delivering a truly content-rich read, Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology are major entertainment properties that form a perfect base on which to build original and creative gaming experiences."

"The Ology book brand is a powerful contemporary franchise and we always seek to work with high calibre creative partners," commented Richard Scrivener, Commercial and Operations Director, Templar Publishing.

"Right from the outset, we were impressed by the combination of Codemasters' passion for the product and their global reach."

Dragonology: the Complete book of Dragons , by Dugald A Steer, was first published in 2003, creating a series which has sold over 5.7 million copies worldwide in 32 different languages. In the U.S., where the series is published by Candlewick Press, Dragonology , Wizardology and Pirateology have all been New York Times bestsellers and the 'Ology series was recently noted in the Wall Street Journal as 'a major publishing phenomenon'. For more information on the 'Ology series, please visit www.ologyworld.com

Notes to editors:

INTERNATIONAL TITLES

Dragonology: the Complete book of Dragons is published in the U.K. by Templar Publishing, in the U.S.A. by Candlewick Press, and in Australia by Five Miles Press.

In France it is published by Milan as Dragonologie - Encyclopédie des Dragons.

In Germany it is published by Ars as Drachen - Expedition in die geheime Welt der Drachen.

In Italy it is published by RCS Libri as Dragologia - Il Libro completo dei Draghi.

In Spain it is published by Montena as Dragones - El Gran Libro de los Dragones.

ABOUT THE 'OLOGY BOOKS

www.ologyworld.com

Dragonology

The complete book of dragons purports to be the last remaining copy of a nineteenth-century dragon-keeper's manual, it combines dragon folklore with whimsical and imaginative fantasy. Dragonology provides the student dragonologist with a comprehensive introduction to dragon species, their habitats and behaviours, as well as guidelines for the protection and preservation of these mighty beasts.

Detailed illustrations of dragons, spells in secret pockets and a wealth of tips, anecdotes and information make this a comprehensive introduction to the study of the habits and ways of dragons.

Pirateology

Pirateology is the Sea Journal of Captain William Lubber, the famous Pirate-hunter general from Boston. In Pirateology, Lubber charts his attempt from 1793 to 1796 to hunt down and capture the infamous pirate Arabella Drummond whose treasure he wants to salvage. Inside the book is part of Arabella Drummond's treasure map but a vital piece is missing. However, as the reader delves deeper into the book, the location of the treasure is revealed.

This unforgettable journal of his search across the most dangerous waters of the world is packed with maps, charts, wonderful illustrations of pirate ships and sloops. It details some of the world's most famous pirates including Blackbeard and Edward Teach and shows the areas they terrorised in search of gold and jewels.

Wizardology

Many hundreds of years ago, the great magician Merlin created this elaborate book for his apprentice, containing all his knowledge about the ancient brotherhood of wizards around the world and their many different magical arts.

Covering transformations, conjurations, potions, charms and spells, it is packed with ingenious novelties, including a spinning amulet, a 'phoenix' feather, fortune-telling cards and a real swatch of fairy flag, it's the perfect starting point for budding young magicians. This bejewelled book also contains a hidden secret miniature hardback book of divination.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Codemasters

Dean Scott, UK PR Manager.

dean.scott@codemasters.com

01926 816088

Templar Company plc

Richard Scrivener

Richard@Templarco.co.uk

07966 209717

Candlewick Press

Charlie Schroder

Charlie.Schroder@Candlwickpress.com

917 957 3266

PRESS RESOURCE WEB SITE

Download game artwork, screens and essential Codemasters' press materials direct to your desktop from: http://www.codemasters.com/mediabank

ABOUT CODEMASTERS

Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience across multiple gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company's dominant brands include Colin McRae DiRT, Overlord, Clive Barker's Jericho, Race Driver, Brian Lara Cricket and Operation Flashpoint. Codemasters is headquartered in Warwickshire UK, with North American operations based in Burbank, Calif. The company also maintains operations in Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. Codemasters receives over two million visitors to its web site every month, discover why at www.codemasters.com

ABOUT TEMPLAR

Templar is an award-winning publisher of high quality children's books. Its series of 'Ology' books have become a worldwide publishing phenomenon selling over 14 million copies. Templar won the first ever Richard and Judy Children's book award in 2006 with Calm Down, Boris (Sam Lloyd). Templar developed and launched the Amazing Baby brand in 2003 to great acclaim. Its list also includes: Simon Bartram whose book Bob Man on the Moon won the Blue Peter Children's Book of the Year, Helen Ward, Maurice Pledger, Derek Matthews and Ross Collins. For more information visit: Templarco.co.uk. Templar Company PLC, The Granary, North Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 IDN.

ASK ABOUT GAMES

Codemasters supports askaboutgames.com www.askaboutgames.com - a UK initiative designed to help parents understand the age ratings system for computer and video games so that they can make more informed choices when choosing games for their children.

NINTENDO DS AND Wii ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.

Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology are trademarks of the Templar Company plc.