Press
Release
ACTIVISION
AND DREAMWORKS ANIMATION SKG LAUNCH NEW MULTI-YEAR, MULTI-PROPERTY
LICENSING DEAL
Deal
Grants Activision Rights to Four Additional Computer-Generated Films
From DreamWorks Animation and Extends Rights to the “Shrek”
Franchise
Santa Monica, CA and
Glendale, CA – November 16, 2005 -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI)
and DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE: DWA) jointly announced today
that the companies have agreed to a new long-term, broad-based
strategic alliance. The companies signed a multi-year agreement
which grants Activision the exclusive video game rights to upcoming
feature films from DreamWorks Animation.
Under the terms of the agreement, Activision will develop and
publish video game products based on DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming
movies, including “Bee Movie” and “Kung Fu Panda,” as well as films
currently in development, including “Rex Havoc” and “How to Train
Your Dragon.” The deal also extends Activision’s video game rights
beyond “Shrek 3” to include potential future films in the “Shrek”
franchise.
Activision has secured the exclusive worldwide video game publishing
rights for all current and future console platforms, the PC and
hand-held devices. The company has also secured the rights to
develop additional games based on the properties during non-film
years, as well as the right to publish games based on each
property’s sequel.
“Our association with DreamWorks has resulted in some of the most
critically acclaimed and successful movie-based video games ever,”
stated Robert Kotick, Chairman and CEO, Activision, Inc. “This
announcement enables us to continue to build on our strong creative
collaboration and underscores Activision’s ongoing commitment to
developing exceptional games based on the highest quality
intellectual properties and brands.”
Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation SKG said,
“Activision is a market leader in developing computer-generated
movie properties into video game franchises. Working with
Activision, we hope to deliver an unprecedented level of
collaboration between the movie and the video game.”
Additionally, Activision is currently developing games based on
“Over the Hedge,” which will be released in May 2006, and “Shrek 3,”
which is slated for release in 2007. The company also holds the
right to develop games based on the recently announced film
“Madagascar 2,” which is slated for release in 2008.
Under its current agreement with DreamWorks Animation, Activision
has released video games across multiple platforms based on “Shrek
2,” “Shark Tale,” and “Madagascar.” Collectively to date, these
titles have shipped more than 10 million units across multiple
platforms worldwide. Activision’s “Shrek 2” video game was the #1
best-selling children’s video game in the U.S. for calendar 2004,
according to NPD.
”The new generation of gaming platforms will help us expand our
computer-generated movies into interactive entertainment like never
before,” said Anne Globe, head of Worldwide Consumer Products and
Promotions for DreamWorks Animation. “We look forward to working
with Activision to extend our stories and characters into rich
worlds of interactive entertainment.”
Mike Griffith, President and CEO, Activision Publishing, Inc.,
added, “Activision looks forward to an even closer working
collaboration with the production teams at DreamWorks Animation. Our
strong relationship has allowed us to deliver interactive
entertainment experiences that remain true to the films while
bringing these extraordinary stories to life through the visually
immersive nature of interactive entertainment.”
About DreamWorks Animation SKG
DreamWorks Animation SKG (NYSE: DWA) is principally devoted to
developing and producing computer-generated, or CG-animated, feature
films. With world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced
management team and advanced CG filmmaking technology and
techniques, DreamWorks Animation makes high quality CG-animated
films meant for a broad movie-going audience.
About Activision, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a
leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of
interactive entertainment and leisure products. Founded in 1979,
Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2005.
Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United
Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia,
Spain and the Netherlands. More information about Activision and its
products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is
located at www.activision.com.
The statements made in this press release that are not historical
facts are “forward-looking statements.” These forward-looking
statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that
are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Company cautions readers
of this press release that a number of important factors could cause
Activision's actual future results to differ materially from those
expressed in any such forward-looking statements. Such factors
include, without limitation, product delays, retail acceptance of
our products, industry competition, rapid changes in technology and
industry standards, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of
relationships with key personnel, vendors and third-party
developers, international economic and political conditions,
integration of recently acquired subsidiaries and identification of
suitable future acquisition opportunities. These important factors
and other factors that potentially could affect the Company’s
financial results are described in our filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s most recent Annual
report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Readers of
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change its intention, belief or expectation, at any time and without
notice, based upon any changes in such factors, in the Company’s
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release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to
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the occurrence of unanticipated events.