All New Versions of Diner Dash(R), Wedding Dash(TM) and Chocolatier(R) to Ship in 2008
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Encore, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVR), announced today that it has signed an exclusive three-year agreement with PlayFirst, Inc. to publish all-new PC and MAC software versions of its popular titles at retail in North America.
Diner Dash: Hometown Hero, the fourth title in the wildly popular Diner Dash series, will launch in April 2008 and will introduce the first multiplayer Diner Dash experience sold at retail. Diner Dash, PlayFirst's flagship series, is a leading franchise brand in PC casual games.
Under the agreement Encore will also publish new versions of top PlayFirst brands including Chocolatier(R) and Wedding Dash(TM) as well as multiple brand extensions and new properties that have yet to launch on http://www.playfirst.com/. Additional titles included in the agreement are Dress Shop Hop(TM) and the highly anticipated sequel to the hit casual adventure game, Dream Chronicles(TM), which launches next month on http://www.playfirst.com/.
Jill Griffin, President of Encore, said, "As a leader in Family Entertainment publishing, we have been actively sourcing AAA brands to augment our robust portfolio. The PlayFirst brands are highly recognized properties and are in perfect alignment with our growth strategy in entertainment." "PlayFirst is committed to delivering on the original promise of casual games: bringing the fun of gaming entertainment to everyone," said John Welch, CEO and President of PlayFirst. "With Encore as our partner, we will expand the retail presence of our portfolio, reaching more of our game playing audience -- including those who may not have access to the Internet or who prefer to purchase games at their favorite retail store." About Encore Based in Los Angeles, CA, Encore is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVR), and a leading retail software publisher. As a result of strategic licensing agreements, the company publishes a broad range of award-winning utility, entertainment, education and productivity software titles. Publishing brands include Hoyle(R), Marine Aquarium(TM), Family Tree Maker(R), 3D Home Architect(R), Advantage, Wheel of Fortune(R) and Jeopardy!(R); as well as the Riverdeep family of brands including The Print Shop(R), PrintMaster(R), Reader Rabbit(R) and Mavis Beacon(R).
Navarre Corporation (NASDAQ:NAVR) is a publisher and distributor of physical and digital home entertainment and multimedia products, including PC software, DVD video, video games and accessories. Additional information is available at http://www.navarre.com/.
About PlayFirst, Inc.
PlayFirst is the leading publisher focused exclusively on casual games. Committed to building shared casual game experiences around lasting original brands, PlayFirst games are rich in gameplay, story and character. PlayFirst works with talented internal and external developers to bring mass market games to multiple platforms, including PC, Mac, mobile, handheld and console. The company's portfolio includes the world-renowned Diner Dash(R) franchise, as well as top-selling games such as Wedding Dash(TM), Chocolatier(R), and Dream Chronicles(TM). Founded in 2004, PlayFirst is funded by Mayfield Fund, Trinity Ventures, Rustic Canyon Partners and DCM. For more information visit http://www.playfirst.com/ and http://www.dinerdash.com/.
PlayFirst, Diner Dash, Chocolatier, Wedding Dash, Dress Shop Hop, Dream Chronicles, and all related titles, logos, and characters are trademarks of PlayFirst, Inc. PlayFirst, Diner Dash and Chocolatier are registered in the U.S. DATASOURCE: Navarre Corporation CONTACT: investors and press, Investor Relations of Navarre Corporation, +1-763-535-8333, ; or Caitlin Davis of Three-Forty, +1-650-793-3374, , for PlayFirst, Inc.; or Kirem Marnett of PlayFirst, Inc., +1-415-874-2665, Web site: http://www.navarre.com/ http://www.playfirst.com/ http://www.dinerdash.com/
|