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 AmiYumi™
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 GameCube™, Nintendo DS™, 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.
