Nickelodeon introduces an offering of paid downloadable games for kids on Nick.com and Nickjr.com with the re-launch of Nick Arcade (www.nickarcade.com/) on July 1. To introduce the gaming platform, Nick Online has partnered with industry leaders Big Fish Games and TryMedia.
"Nick Arcade provides a unique platform of rich game experiences for our audience that they can download and own," said Mike Skagerlind, svp/gm, Nickelodeon Online. "With the combined expertise of Big Fish Games and TryMedia, Nickelodeon will move to the forefront of this arena."
Nick Arcade re-launches with more than 60 premium downloadable games for kids, including Nick.com published games such as SPONGEBOB OBSTACLE ODYSSEY, THE FAIRLY ODDPARENTS BIG SUPERHERO WISH, JIMMY NEUTRON INVENTION REVENGE and Nick Jr. titles including DORA'S RAPIDO RIVER RAFTING RACE. In addition, the site will include a collection of third party titles from a variety of game developers. Games will be priced at an average of $20.
"We consider Nickelodeon as one of our premiere partners in the paid gaming space," said Paul Thelen, ceo of Big Fish Games. "Nickelodeon adds legitimacy to this emerging market because it extends casual game offerings to a younger audience, and adds top-tier branded content to the mix."
The portfolio of available games on Nick Arcade will be frequently updated with original paid downloadable games published by Nick Online, which will be released beginning third quarter 2005, as well as new releases from third party developers. In addition, Nick Online will be building distribution partnerships throughout the year with third parties and portals to syndicate these games to a broader market.
As part of the Nick Arcade, users can join a membershipmbership program for $7.99 per month called the "Nick Arcade Pass." By joining the program, members will receive one free game every month, along with coupons and discounts on games, and other benefits.
On NickJr.com, adults will also find a "Games for Grown-Ups" section (nickjrgrownupgames.com/), which includes a selection of third party games for the website's parent audience. Launched on June 10 with the support of Big Fish Games, "Games for Grown-Ups" features play puzzles, word games, cards and more such as MAGIC VINES, CHUZZLE DELUXE, and MAHJONG QUEST.
Big Fish Games Inc., a developer, publisher and distributor of casual, family friendly games, has an online game catalog with a global reach of more than 18 million monthly unique users and distribution partners such as Nickelodeon, Bolt Media and iVillage.com. Through the efforts of a network of more than 250 game development partners, Big Fish Games offers consumers a "New Game Every Day" and makes acquiring downloadable games and playing games online a safe, easy and reliable experience.
Nickelodeon, now in its 26th 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 U.S. 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 89 million households and has been the numbe one rated basic cable network for more than nine consecutive years. Nickelodeon is a subsidy of Viacom Intl Inc.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
