Hasbro Teams Up With RealNetworks To Expand Digital Media Entertainment For Classic Games Properties
SEATTLE, Washington and PAWTUCKET, R.I. — February, 13, 2006 — The Hasbro Properties Group (HPG), the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) today announced a global licensing agreement with RealNetworks, Inc. (NADAQ: RNWK), the leading developer, publisher and web-based distributor of casual games, that will bring fans of Hasbro’s best-known and most recognized game brands into the online digital media arena.
"Our agreement with RealNetworks—a leader in the online digital media arena—is one more example of Hasbro’s commitment to expand our presence in the digital media space with many of our popular and toy and game brands," said Jane Ritson- Parsons, president of the Hasbro Properties Group. "We see the online digital media space as a natural complement to the lifestyle experiences that we’re providing to consumers in a variety of categories."
"Working with Hasbro will bring a wealth of new titles to RealArcade," said Michael Schutzler, SVP, Games Division at RealNetworks, Inc. "Now, in addition to our already-rich selection of casual games, we’ll be able to add classic favorites to our games portfolio and bring nostalgic American gameplay to our RealArcade audience."
RealNetworks will provide online gamers with new versions of MONOPOLY® and SCRABBLE® (U.S and Canada only) late this summer on www.realarcade.com, as well as on other online gaming venues. In addition, RealNetworks is committed to the development and distribution of new online games for YAHTZEE®, CLUE® and THE GAME OF LIFE® over the next few years.
The agreement with RealNetworks follows Hasbro’s dedicated expansion in the digital media category following the company’s reacquisition of its digital media rights from Infogrames Entertainment SA in June 2005. As part of the transaction, Hasbro reacquired the rights to marquis brands such as TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, TONKA, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, CONNECT FOUR, CANDY LAND and PLAYSKOOL, as well as hundreds more of its worldwide toy and game brands.
Earlier this week, the Company announced it had granted Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software products, the global rights, excluding Japan, to develop console, handheld and PC games based on Hasbro’s renowned TRANSFORMERS brand.
"Digital gaming is a natural step for Hasbro’s classic properties as the category offers children and adults additional play experiences with our top brands," Ritson-Parsons concluded.
Media Contacts: Alexandra Smiley, MS&L PR — (206) 617-437-7722 [email protected] Rebecca Holmes, Duo PR for RealNetworks — 206-957-6550 [email protected]
ABOUT REALNETWORKS, INC. RealNetworks, Inc. is the leading creator of digital media services and software including Rhapsody, RealPlayer® 10, and casual PC and mobile games. RealNetworks has more than 2.2 million paid subscribers to its premium digital media http://www.real.com. Broadcasters, network operators, media companies and enterprises use RealNetworks' products and services to create and deliver digital media to PCs, mobile phones and consumer electronics devices. RealNetworks' corporate information is located at http://www.realnetworks.com/company
ABOUT THE HASBRO PROPERTIES GROUP The Hasbro Properties Group (HPG), the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc., (NYSE:HAS), translates one of the industry’s richest portfolios of brands into a world of fun and excitement for children and adults globally. Through a host of publishing, digital media, lifestyle and entertainment platforms, HPG is able to surround fans worldwide with consumer products that expand Hasbro’s core brands, such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MY LITTLE PONY, MONOPOLY, G.I. JOE, TONKA and PLAYSKOOL.
ABOUT HASBRO Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.