Cartoon Network to Develop MMOG with Grigon Entertainment
Posted by: Aaron Lockard on July 19, 2006 11:13:53 AM (98 Reads)
First Partnership Between U.S. Entertainment Company and a Korean Game Developer
Cartoon Network announced today that it is developing its first
massively multi-player online game (MMOG) in an unprecedented
partnership with a leading MMOG developer, Seoul-based Grigon
Entertainment. Cartoon Network New Media, already a leader in online
entertainment and gaming, will debut the game in the United States.
This is the first-ever partnership between a U.S. entertainment company
and a Korean developer to create an MMOG for the global marketplace.
The
Cartoon Network MMOG will launch in spring 2008 and target the growing
and sophisticated kids' interactive gaming market. The game will be
free to download, with subscription and micro-transactions available to
players to enhance the gaming experience. New areas for exploration and
play are planned and will be added regularly over a span of several
years. The game brings Cartoon Network's beloved characters and
sensibility to the fast-growing online gaming realm with an
"East-meets-West" creative approach. Grigon Entertainment is best known
for successfully developing and launching several online games in Asia,
including Seal Online, a light-hearted role-playing game (RPG) that
took the online gaming world by surprise. Localized versions are
available in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Indonesia and Thailand.
"Cartoon
Network is an immersive experience for our fans, and this MMOG will
allow our fans to interact with their favorite characters like never
before. Not only will kids be able to play with their favorite
characters like Mac and Bloo, Ben 10 and the Kids Next Door, but they
will also be able to develop their own online gaming personalities and
interact, virtually, with other players in a safe way," said Jim
Samples, Cartoon Network executive vice president and general manager.
"This MMOG is a key part of Cartoon Network's growth strategy, and is
an important complement to our mobile, broadband and our existing
online business. With the MMOG, mobile content, our Web sites and, of
course, our linear network, Cartoon Network is always on for kids."
"Online games have been the most important driver of Cartoon Network
New Media's success over the last few years. With more than 84 million
U.S. homes expected to have broadband Internet access by 2008, and
Cartoon Network's reach and creative vision, we're excited to enter the
fast-growing world of massively multiplayer online gaming," said Paul
Condolora, senior vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network
New Media. "In Grigon Entertainment, we have found a partner who
understands how to build a successful MMOG for the casual marketplace.
With our characters and creative direction, along with Grigon's
experience and technical know-how, we think Cartoon Network's MMOG will
have great success and longevity."
"It's my greatest pleasure to
work as partners with Cartoon Network, the world's most influential
entertainment brand," said Byung-Kyu Cho, chief executive officer of
Grigon Entertainment Co., Ltd. "When I look at the globally adored
characters of Cartoon Network getting together harmonically with the
renowned strength and uniqueness of Grigon, I have all my confidence
that we will proudly present an online game which will astonish the
world."
Massively multiplayer online gaming has expanded in the
United States in recent years, with games like World of Warcraft and
EverQuest achieving large and loyal followings. Most MMOGs have been
driven by high-intensity fighting and action with fantasy elements and
have attracted an older, adult audience. To date, few games have
targeted younger audiences. In Asia and Europe, where broadband
penetration is ahead of that in the United States, MMOGs have been
developed for all audiences, from kids to teens and adults.
Cartoon
Network's games will feature a persistent and expanding world, which
will allow players to develop their own characters, attributes and
possessions over the course of many months and even years. Players may
also meet and interact with other players online, forming virtual
friendships and communities. Cartoon Network's MMOG will be compliant
with the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) and will
offer a safe gaming environment for players.
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