SouthPeak Games Announces New Nintendo DS™ Title, Ninjatown
Shawnimals' Designer Plush Toys Come to Life in Original Action-Strategy Game Developed By Venan Entertainment
Dallas, TX - August 22, 2007 - SouthPeak Games today announced a new title, Ninjatown, based on the Shawnimals' designer toy line. Ninjatown is being developed for the Nintendo DS by Venan Entertainment in conjunction with Cashmere Productions and is scheduled for release in the fall of 2008.
"We are excited to bring the designer toy scene into the world of videogames," said Melanie Mroz, Executive VP of Southpeak. "The cultures of both are already heavily intertwined, and we felt the style of Ninjatown and its fanbase made it a perfect fit for the DS."
A diverse group of fun-loving Ninjas populate the vibrant yet peaceful place known as Ninjatown. However, after the eruption of a nearby volcano, Ninjatown is attacked by hordes of sinister enemies lead by Mr. Demon, who, for reasons unknown, is bent on destruction. It is now time to use each of the Ninjas' unique skills and powers - including the Mighty Wind of Ninja Dropping and Stealth Hugs - to fight off the evil and secure Ninjatown, one district at a time. The game is played from the top down, where the player uses the stylus to strategically place Ninjas to defend each area. The action is non-stop!
"I couldn't be happier to have the opportunity to make a game based on Ninjatown, because all of my creations are heavily influenced by my life playing and working in games," said Shawn Smith, Shawnimals creator and former editor at Electronic Gaming Monthly.
"We've worked closely with Shawn to develop the right game mechanic for the world of Ninjatown, now I look forward to working closely with him and SouthPeak over the next year to make an amazing game for Nintendo DS," added Brandon Curiel, CEO of Venan Entertainment.
See the first trailer for Ninjatown and to find out more about these loveable assassins visit www.ninjatown.com. Ninjatown plush dolls, T-shirts, and buttons are available now at www.shawnimals.com.
About Shawnimals
Shawnimals is a character design studio started in 2002 and is currently focused on developing designer toys with a strong emphasis on imaginative and often humorous narratives. They produce plush toys, collectible vinyl sculptures, apparel and a variety of other types of merchandise, all branded with an off-the-wall, yet lovable, cast of creatures. For more information on Shawnimals, please visit http://www.shawnimals.com/.
About SouthPeak Games
SouthPeak Games, LLC has been publishing and distributing entertainment software since 1996. Recognizing the market need for an independent publisher, SouthPeak is focusing on marketing games from top-notch developers for all popular game platforms. Leveraging its outstanding distribution experience and retail strength, SouthPeak is currently launching new game titles in Europe and North America. For more information on SouthPeak Games, please visit http://www.southpeakgames.com/.
About Venan Entertainment
Venan Entertainment, Inc. is a leading developer in the exploding mobile and handheld market. Founded in 2002, Venan is a veteran of the mobile games space, with fourteen published titles developed for companies including EA Mobile/Jamdat, Hands On, THQ Wireless and Superscape. Whether creating original titles such as our award winning High Seas: Guns and Gold, or developing conversions of AAA brands like EA Sports NBA Live, Venan excels at bringing high-end gameplay down to low-end devices. Venan's corporate headquarters are located in Cromwell, Connecticut and its website is www.venan.com.
About Cashmere Productions
Founded in 2003, Cashmere provides game design and production services for emerging platforms such as mobile, handheld, and online distribution channels. Working with clients such as Warner Music Group, MINI, and Marc Ecko Entertainment, Cashmere has experience creating completely original products as well as brand extensions. While at Take Two's Rockstar division, Cashmere founder Jeremy Pope played a critical role in producing extraordinarily successful games such a Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Grand Theft Auto III, and Max Payne. For more information, please visit www.cashmereproductions.net.
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