News

November 7, 2007

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC VENTURES AND DESTINATION SOFTWARE PARTNER ON FRANCHISE VIDEO GAMES

DSI to Develop and Distribute National Geographic Entertainment Franchises, Including 'March of the Penguins,' and 'Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure'

National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Destination Software Incorporated (DSI) today announced a partnership to license and distribute games from National Geographic's current and upcoming film franchises. The first two titles to be released under this agreement are "March of the Penguins," following the success of the 2005 film, and "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure," an upcoming National Geographic Giant Screen Films title for 2007.

"Video games are a top entertainment medium of choice for our youth audiences, and by embracing this platform we'll continue to reach out to kids in a relevant and entertaining way," said NGV Vice President, Entertainment Strategy and Development, Paul Levine. "Leveraging DSI's expertise and successful track record in developing and marketing family-friendly video games further underscores National Geographic's commitment to exciting people to explore their world."

"DSI is extremely excited about our working relationship with National Geographic, as we sincerely believe that family-oriented games can not only be lots of fun but great learning experiences as well," said Susan Kain, CEO of DSI. "We are proud to partner with National Geographic on 'March of the Penguins,' 'Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure' and other great titles, since the adventurous nature of National Geographic's programming fits perfectly with the excitement of great video gaming."

The "March of the Penguins" game follows the film's survival story while adding exciting challenges and obstacles in between. "March of the Penguins" will be available at all major retailers this month, in time for the 2006 holiday season, and will be on the popular handhelds Nintendo Gameboy Advance and Nintendo DS. The title will be offered individually and in a special "March of the Penguins" package that includes National Geographic books and a plush toy.

"March of the Penguins," directed by Luc Jacquet, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary in 2005 and set box office records for theatrical natural history films, is a Bonne Pioche Production and was presented by Warner Independent Pictures and National Geographic Films.

The "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure" video game release will coincide with National Geographic Giant Screen Films' worldwide premiere of "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure" on October 5, 2007. It will be released in 2-D and 3-D formats and will play in IMAX® and other specialty theaters. The game play will be similar to the film, showcasing a prehistoric world that brings sea creatures to life as they journey through Earth's ancient seas. It will be available on the new Nintendo Wii, making full use of the exceptional interactive experience Wii has to offer, as well as on the popular Sony PS2 and Nintendo DS platforms. "Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure" is being produced by National Geographic and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation.