Press Release

NAMCO AWARDED LICENSE TO PUBLISH "PEANUTS(R)" VIDEO GAMES

Legendary Comic Strip Coming To Multiple Video Game Platforms
 

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 20, 2005) – Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. today announced that United Media has awarded Namco the interactive entertainment publishing rights to "Peanuts," the renowned comic strip created by Charles M. Schulz. The partnership allows Namco to create and publish games featuring "Peanuts" characters and properties, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and Pigpen for all current and upcoming game platforms through 2009.

“'Peanuts' is one of the most celebrated comic strips of all time, and Charlie Brown and his friends have firmly cemented their place as American icons of the highest order,” said Jeff Lujan, Business Director at Namco Hometek, Inc. “We relish this opportunity to continue these beloved characters’ storylines through the medium of games and are honored to introduce this cherished property to an all-new generation of gamers.”

Debuting in just seven newspapers in 1950, "Peanuts" has since been enjoyed by millions of readers and viewers worldwide. Today the popular strip can be read in over 2400 newspapers in 75 countries and 21 languages worldwide. Charles M. Schulz’s unique art style and endearing characters have inspired an entire generation of cartoonists, while becoming a perennial favorite with both parents and children through compilation books, television specials, and countless consumer products.

“Namco has proven its ability to translate franchises to the video game format with respect and care,” said Jean Sagendorph, Licensing Manager at United Media. “Working with such a capable partner will allow us the opportunity to grow the 'Peanuts' property in this popular category, as well as reach new audiences.”

For more information about Namco and its products visit www.namco.com.

About United Media
Peanuts is licensed and syndicated by United Media. United Media (UM) is a worldwide licensing and syndication company that focuses on building brand equity around a wide range of creative content. The company recently signed Televisa, a leading Spanish speaking media company, to represent the US rights to the company’s children’s telenovelas, as well as its long-running hit television series “El Chavo.” It also added "D.I.C.E." and "Tamagotchi Connection," two new properties from industry toy leader Bandai America, Inc. United Media licenses and/or syndicates other properties, including "Precious Moments," "Raggedy Ann & Andy," "Jakers!" "The Adventures of Piggley Winks," "Arthur," and "Dilbert." United Media is an E.W. Scripps Company.

About Namco Hometek Inc.
Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry.  Based in Santa Clara, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games publisher for next generation game consoles. Namco has created some of the industry's greatest video game franchises: "Tekken(R)," "SOULCALIBUR(R)," "Dead to Rights(R)," "Pac-Man World(TM)," "Ridge Racer(R)," "Time Crisis(R)" and "ACECOMBAT(TM)."  For more information about Namco and its products log onto www.namco.com.

"TEKKEN(R)," "SOULCALIBUR(R)," "PAC-MAN WORLD(TM)," "Ridge Racer(R)," "Time Crisis(R)" and "ACECOMBAT(TM)" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Namco Limited in the United States and/or other countries.
"Dead to Rights(TM)" is a trademark or registered trademark of Namco Hometek Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.