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EA Gets Rights to Hasbro Properties

by Steven Rodriguez - August 10, 2007, 9:18 am EDT
Total comments: 5 Source: Press Release

Games based off the Scrabble, Yahtzee, Nerf, Tonka brands and more will soon be coming to every imaginable platform.

EA and Hasbro Partner to Bring Casual Games to Global Audience

New Relationship Unites Two Powerhouse Entertainment Companies and Classic Brands to Create New Interactive Experiences

CHERTSEY, UK - August 10th, 2007 - Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Hasbro Inc. (NYSE: HAS) today announced a strategic licensing agreement that will bring together two of the most powerful entertainment companies in an alliance which promises to transform the interactive family entertainment landscape. The strategic relationship grants EA the exclusive worldwide rights to create digital games based upon a huge array of Hasbro's intellectual properties, including Monopoly, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Nerf, Tonka and Littlest Pet Shop, to name a few. Inspired by these classic board games and toys, EA will develop interactive experiences for a mass audience to play across key platforms including mobile, online, handheld, PC and consoles. The first games are scheduled to launch in calendar year 2008.

"The gaming market has never been more primed for a revolution in how families enjoy games," said Kathy Vrabeck, President, EA Casual Entertainment Label. "Hasbro is the ideal partner to help propel this change. Their games define fun. These are games that we all love and remember from our childhoods. The combination of EA's market leadership in the interactive space and Hasbro's timeless franchises is a perfect partnership for today's market. Together EA and Hasbro can create the next generation of fun for a new wave of kids and families."

"Our toy and game brands have been family-favorites for decades, and aligning ourselves with EA will result in broadening the reach of our brands through the 're-imagining' of these beloved entertainment icons in all key digital categories," said Brian Goldner, Hasbro's Chief Operating Officer. "Through the years, EA has proven themselves time and again as an incredibly creative company that delivers amazing content across multiple brands. We are thrilled to work with EA in bringing our brands to the next level in the digital world."

EA veteran Chip Lange will lead the overall Hasbro business initiative as VP and General Manager. Hasbro Senior Vice President Mark Blecher will head up Hasbro's digital gaming initiatives.

As part of the agreement, Hasbro will obtain certain rights to bring select EA franchises to toys and traditional games extending EA's brand footprint, and bringing Hasbro's expertise to EA's interactive properties. The relationship also allows EA and Hasbro the opportunity to unlock exciting new creative opportunities and game concepts for some of Hasbro's classic franchises.

The initial term of the strategic relationship runs through December 31, 2013, and may be extended for an additional four years subject to certain conditions, including achievement of specified performance metrics. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. In addition, EA does not expect the agreement to impact its second quarter and full year fiscal 2008 financial guidance as provided on August 1, 2007.

The EA Casual Entertainment Label is focused on creating and delivering compelling casual entertainment experiences for a mass audience. Designed with simple rules and an engaging game design, these games are easy for a new player to learn but difficult to master. EA's casual games portfolio include such titles as Boogie™ for the Wii™, Tetris® for mobile phones and the online gaming destination Pogo.com™.

Talkback

couchmonkeyAugust 10, 2007

Can that Nerf-Person-Shooter that someone on the forums proposed be far away?

CericAugust 10, 2007

I sure hope they make a worthwhile Frill and No-Frill electronic version of all of the Boardgames. Preferably in one collection. Personally I enjoy being able to play the classic games as they were meant to be played. By the original rules and limitation. Though I do like the enhance version of a few games, like Life has a good one.

Hopefully this means I may get the DS version of Risk I've been hoping for. The GBA compilation version is good except for the AI, which is way too easy to beat.

Dirk TemporoAugust 11, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: couchmonkey
Can that Nerf-Person-Shooter that someone on the forums proposed be far away?


What, you mean this one that came out eight years ago?

US_NAB_FRONT.jpg

Anyway, no way could EA of all companies make anything that would surpass NAB.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorAugust 13, 2007

DS versions of Stratego and Monopoly Mega Edition. With on-line and single card download play, pls.

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