Genius Products expands into games publishing

Entertainment specialist Genius Products has announced that it intends to expand into the videogame publishing and distribution business, with its first title — InXile's Line Rider — due for release this summer.

The company distributes and markets numerous entertainment properties, including WWE, ESPN, Sesame Workshop, Discovery Kids, Animal Planet and Dimension Films.

"Our management expertise in the development, marketing and distribution of videogames creates a tremendous growth opportunity for Genius," commented Trevor Drinkwater, president and CEO of Genius Products.

"As planned, this marks the beginning of our entrance into the fast growing and exciting interactive software category and the expansion of our distribution expertise in multiple entertainment based product categories."

Drinkwater previously held the COO position at Take-Two, while Genius' chief operating officer Rodney Satterwhite was vice president of North American sales for the Grand Theft Auto publisher.

"In 2008, we enter phase two of our aggressive growth strategy which will focus on revenue growth and improvements in margin through brand and content partnerships, content production, intellectual property ownership, and the acquisition of additional revenue streams," added Stephen Bannon, chairman of Genius.

"Our planned entry into videogames is a great example of value creating, higher margin opportunities we will continue to aggressively pursue in 2008 and beyond."