NAMCO NETWORKS TO RELEASE ARUZE ARCADE CLASSICS MR. DO! AND MR. DO'S CASTLE ON MOBILE PLATFORM IN NORTH AMERICA
Namco and leading Japanese game designer Aruze sign exclusive distribution partnership
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Nov. 07, 2006) - Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of wireless games and content, today announced an exclusive publishing and distribution agreement with Aruze to release Aruze games on mobile for the North American market. As a part of this partnership, Namco will publish the acclaimed Universal arcade classics Mr. Do! and Mr. Do's Castle.
"Recognized for quality, superior localization and successful distribution of unique mobile games, Namco Networks is a leader in the mobile games space and the perfect partner to bring Aruze's mobile content to North American wireless subscribers," said Kunihiko Yogo, Representative Director and CEO of Aruze.
Having recognized the success of Namco Networks in the mobile content arena, Aruze, the license holder for Mr. Do!, Mr. Do's Castle and other titles originally published by Universal, selected Namco Networks to localize mobile game titles for the North American market.
"Partnering with Aruze further expands our popular catalog of arcade classics, meeting the ever-increasing consumer demand for fun, casual content," said Kenji Hisatsune, president and CEO of Namco Networks. "Mr. Do! and other Aruze games were very popular in the 80s arcades and we believe this popularity will continue on the mobile platform."
Debuting on mobile phones, the classic Mr. Do! challenges players to clear the field of cherries while avoiding the roving monsters. Get rid of the monsters with your bouncing powerball or by dropping apples on them.
In the popular sequel Mr. Do's Castle, also debuting on mobile, players travel around floors interconnected by ladders. Escape the pursuing monsters by knocking out the cherry blocks in the floor and trapping them in the resulting hole.
Mr. Do! and Mr. Do's Castle are expected to launch on North American wireless carriers in the summer of 2007.
About Namco Networks
Established January 1, 2006, Namco Networks America Inc. is a subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings (USA) Inc., a worldwide leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Namco uses cutting-edge technology to provide fun, quality entertainment to mobile consumers throughout the Americas. For more information about Namco mobile games, please visit: www.namcogames.com.
About Aruze Corp.
Established as Universal Lease Co., Ltd. in 1969, Aruze Corp. assumed its current name in 1998. A major designer, manufacturer and distributor of Pachinko and Pachislot machines in Japan, Aruze also creates gaming machines for use in overseas casino markets. The company retains a 24.5% stake in the Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts, Ltd.
www.aruze.com