Activision forges long term relationship with DreamWorks Animation

Publisher and developer Activision has announced a new long-term partnership with DreamWorks Animation SKG, securing the exclusive worldwide videogame rights for a number of DreamWorks movies.

Activision will develop and publish games on all current and future generation consoles, PC and hand-held devices. Under the terms of the agreement, the company is also entitled to publish additional games during non-film years, as well as publishing new games based on any forthcoming sequels such as Madagascar 2.

Properties falling under the agreement which have been announced so far, include Bee Movie, Kung Fu Panda, Rex Havoc and How to Train Your Dragon. The deal also extends Activision's publishing rights based on the Shrek franchise, which could include future animated films beyond the previously announced Shrek 3.

The publisher has already developed multiple platform games based on Shrek 2, Madagascar and Shark's Tale, which have cumulatively shipped more than 10 million units worldwide. New titles based on Over the Edge and Shrek 3 are currently in development for a number of different platforms.

Activision chairman and CEO, Robert Kotick, stated: "Our association with DreamWorks has resulted in some of the most critically acclaimed and successful movie-based video games ever. 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."

"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."