MALIBU, Calif.--May 13, 2002-- JAKKS Pacific, Inc. announced today that the Company has signed a worldwide licensing agreement with Nickelodeon to create a Nickelodeon-branded TV Games(TM) product line. The new TV Games, a plug and play 8-bit gaming system utilizing your television set, will be developed and marketed through the Company's subsidiary Toymax International.
Toymax first introduced TV Games in 2001 with 10 classic video games in one game controller. Players plug in the TV Games system, a hand-held control, into any standard television and then have 10 video games in one lightweight, compact, portable controller. No game console, or other software or hardware is required.
JAKKS intends to develop Nickelodeon TV Games and plans to launch the product in mid-2003. The license allows for the Nickelodeon TV Games to feature games based on properties including Blues Clues, Dora The Explorer, Little Bill, Rocket Power, Rugrats, Wild Thornberrys, Spongebob Squarepants, Nick-tivities and Goooze.
"The TV Games line is an excellent fit with JAKKS' on-going strategy to develop and market high-value, low price point items with strong brands and appeal," commented Stephen Berman, President and COO, JAKKS Pacific. "To date, TV Games has already sold over 350 thousand units and we believe that with the combination of nostalgia and price point of only about $20, we are well positioned for sustained success within this new category in which the Company is already the lead. The Nickelodeon family of brands will be a wonderful addition to the line."
"We are excited to partner with JAKKS Pacific to bring kids' favorite Nickelodeon characters to an innovative gaming experience," stated Sherice Guillory, Director of Licensing, Nickelodeon Interactive.
Nickelodeon, now in its 23rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 84 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic-cable network for more than six consecutive years. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc.
JAKKS Pacific, Inc. is a multi-brand company that designs and markets a broad range of toys and leisure products. The product categories include: Vehicles, Action Figures, Infant/Pre-School, Plush, Dolls, Water Toys, Sports Activity Toys, Arts & Crafts Activity Kits, Stationery, Writing Instruments and Performance Kites. The products are sold under various brand names including Flying Colors®, Road Champs®, Remco®, Child Guidance®, Pentech®, Toymax®, Funnoodle®, Laser Challenge(TM) and Go Fly a Kite®. The Company also participates in a joint venture with THQ Inc. that has exclusive worldwide rights to publish and market World Wrestling Federation® video games. For further information, visit www.jakkspacific.com.
