Toy Phenomenon Cabbage Patch Kids(R) Coming to Personal Computers
From D3Publisher of America
LOS ANGELES, July 26 /PRNewswire/ --
Adding to its growing list of licensees,
D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive
entertainment software, today announced a licensing agreement with Original
Appalachian Artworks, Inc. for the personal computer game rights to Cabbage
Patch Kids(R). Under the agreement, D3PA is expected to release Cabbage Patch
Kids products for personal computers in the United States, Canada, United
Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. D3PA is anticipating the release of its
first CPK personal computer game in Q3 2005.
"With the recent surge in popularity of nostalgia toys, the Cabbage Patch Kids
franchise was a perfect opportunity for D3PA, since they personify the toys of
the '80s," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business
development for D3PA. "With the tremendous success of the Cabbage Patch Kids
toy line re-launch, the timing was right to create a fun 'Kids' gaming
experience in the interactive market."
"The addition of Cabbage Patch Kids to D3PA's product release schedule further
solidifies our strategy of focusing on very select platforms and genres with
the greatest market opportunities," said Yoji Takenaka, executive vice
president and chief operating officer of D3PA. "Cabbage Patch Kids, in
addition to our license for Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, supports our corporate
objectives during this period of console transition."
Since the birth of Cabbage Patch Kids in 1983, more than 100 million
one-of-a-kind 'Kids have been "adopted" throughout the world, and their unique
individual features and representation of all races and ethnicities have
established the 'Kids as one of the most beloved and popular children's
products of all time.
"These new games from D3Publisher will provide a unique way for kids to
experience the nurturing quality of the legendary and ever-popular Cabbage
Patch Kids brand," said Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids
Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE), the worldwide licensing and marketing agent for
Cabbage Patch Kids.
D3Publisher of America, Inc.
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(R) Advance, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Nintendo DS(TM),
PlayStation(R) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, and
the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on
D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at
http://www.d3p.us/.
About Original Appalachian Artworks
Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. (OAA) founded in 1978 by Cabbage Patch Kids
creator, Xavier Roberts, is a privately held corporation located in Cleveland,
Georgia. Headquarters to the world famous Cabbage Patch Kids brand and home to
BabyLand General Hospital, one of Georgia's top tourist attractions, OAA also
manages a wide range of other projects, while continuing to deliver
hand-stitched one-of-a-kind, soft-sculpture Cabbage Patch Kids. For more
information visit http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com/.
About 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids
Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:KDE) is a global provider of children's entertainment
and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries,
provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; television, film,
music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying;
product development and Web site development. For further information, please
visit the Company's Web sites at http://www.4kidsentertainment.com/ and
http://www.4kids.tv/.
DATASOURCE: D3Publisher of America, Inc.
CONTACT: Kirk Green of Gonzo Communications, +1-949-459-2165,
, for D3Publisher of America, Inc.; or Jeffrey Klein,
+1-212-981-5189, , or Karen Silberg, +1-212-981-5232,
, both of Dan Klores Communications for OAA/4Kids
Entertainment, Inc.
Web site: http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com/
Web site: http://www.4kids.tv/
Web site: http://www.4kidsentertainment.com/
Web site: http://www.d3p.us/