D3Publisher of America, Inc. Announces Licensing Agreement
With Cartoon Network for New Hit Property HI HI PUFFY AMIYUMI First Game in Development will be for Nintendo's Game Boy® Advance
LOS ANGELES - June 9, 2005 - D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced a licensing agreement with Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) for
the video game rights to the new hit animated series Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi. D3PA will produce its first title under the agreement for Nintendo's Game Boy® Advance platform.
"D3PA is delighted to announce Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi as our first major licensing contract with Cartoon Network Enterprises," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development for D3PA. "We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with such a creative,
entertaining, animated property and look forward to delivering a great gaming experience to the Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi fans worldwide."
"Within just a few short months since its record-breaking launch on Cartoon Network, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi has proven it has many of the critical strengths to be a number one property around the world," added John Friend, senior vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises. "It's based on a very
popular real-life band, Puffy, and features two dynamic stars, Ami and Yumi. The series also showcases a wildly colorful, fast-paced animation style termed 'Japanimé,' where truly anything can happen at any minute. And with ratings that continue to climb from week to week, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi
appears to be at the forefront of an all-new J-pop sensation. These new video games from D3Publisher will be a great way to capture and further build on the excitement of this emerging show."
Now in its second season on Cartoon Network, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi follows the fantastic animated adventures of two very cool, but very different, pop stars as they travel from gig to gig or just hang out in their hometown of Tokyo. The agreement grants D3PA the right to produce console, handheld and computer software featuring Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumiTM over the next five years.
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 88 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3Publisher, with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal
computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo GameCubeTM, Nintendo DSTM, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3p.us.
Contact:
Kirk Green
Gonzo Communications
(949) 459-2165
Joe Swaney
Cartoon Network
(404) 885-0657