4Kids Entertainment, Inc. and The Mirage Group announced today an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, to develop and publish Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles video games based on the new CG feature-length film being produced by Imagi Animation Studios and to be distributed domestically by Warner Bros. Pictures and internationally by The Weinstein Company.
Under the Ubisoft agreement, it is expected that the video games will be available for gaming consoles in conjunction with the movie’s planned release in early 2007. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie will be the first all CG animated movie in the history of the franchise. The PG-rated movie will derive its tone from the original comic-book series and will be grittier than the previous live action pictures.
“We are excited that the Turtles are returning to the big screen in 2007 and pleased to partner with Ubisoft for the creation of a new movie-based ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ video game,” said Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment. “We are confident Ubisoft’s commitment to quality, strong international distribution and presence in the worldwide video game market will complement the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ movie experience and help generate added excitement for the Turtles brand.”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been an international phenomenon for more than twenty years. The property began as an underground comic book and is now one of the most popular licenses; the 4Kids TV show is broadcast in 90 territories; and the toys, movies and video games are popular throughout the world.
“Ubisoft has demonstrated its strong commitment to making quality license-based games and truly understands the spirit of one of the world’s most famous children’s brands,” said Christian Salomon, director of licensing at Ubisoft. “Ubisoft is thrilled to be bringing the Turtles back in an exciting new adventure that will attract both the first generation of enthusiasts all the way through to the current and future generations of fans.”
Source: 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
