Gormiti

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH announces exclusive video game range based on Giochi Preziosi best-selling toy range

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced it has entered into an exclusive, global licensing agreement with Giochi Preziosi and Marathon Media to develop and publish video games based on the hugely successful Gormiti action figure and entertainment franchise.

The new agreement expands the Gormiti phenomenon into the interactive entertainment software category with the first Gormiti titles to be released for Nintendo DS and Wii gaming systems.

Gormiti is the story of the never ending battle on the ‘Island of Gorm’ between vast armies inspired by the elemental forces of nature. Created and first launched by Giochi Preziosi in 2005, the expansive product line inspired by the heroes of Gorm is Europe’s fastest growing action figure brand. With over 100 million figures sold to date, Gormiti ranks among the category best sellers in all major European markets and is quickly gaining speed following its launch in the US earlier this year.

All new Gormiti adventures are featured in the Giochi Preziosi/Marathon Media co-production of a 52 episode, animated TV series entitled ‘Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return’. The animated series premiered in Italy to record ratings via the Mediaset network in September 2008 and will launch in fall 2009 on M6 in France and on RTL 2 in Germany. Broadcaster for other countries, including UK and Spain will be announced after MIP TV 2009.

“The Gormiti licence is one that is ideally suited to video games,” commented Kunio Neo, President for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “The collection side of it and the eternal battle between these elemental forces opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities. The games will be entrusted to our European development studio, and we look forward to unleashing the Gormiti armies on DS and Wii in the near future.”

“Konami’s global reach and marketing expertise combined with their proven ability to translate an action packed and character rich property like Gormiti into an exciting and sustainable video game franchise makes them a perfect partner to compliment and expand upon the Gormiti phenomenon” said Giochi Preziosi’s CEO Dario Berte. “Konami understands the magical appeal of Gormiti. We are excited and proud to be partnering with a company that shares our passion for creating a gaming experience that will bring these amazing characters to life for dedicated Gormiti fans and video game enthusiasts of all ages.”

Vincent Chalvon Demersay, President of Marathon Media, said, “The stories and characters that make “Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return” such a unique and fascinating television series also make it a great candidate for adaptation as an exciting interactive gaming adventure. Konami has an exceptional track record of developing high quality games that capture the imagination and extend the entertainment experience into the gaming arena.”

For more information on Konami and its products, please contact Steve Merrett at Voltage PR on 020 7903 5122 or email steve@voltagepr.com.

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About Giochi Preziosi:

Giochi Preziosi is a very successful European toy group founded by Enrico Preziosi.

The Group, run by Dario Berté and Oddone Pozzi, is the market leader in Italy and one of the four largest worldwide players in the toy industry. Its activities cover a wide range of toy products but also include back to school, snack foods, clothing and other consumer products aimed at the youth market. Giochi Preziosi is based in Italy with subsidiaries in France, Spain, Greece, Germany, Eastern Europe. The recent acquisition of the English distributor Flair and the establishment of Preziosi U.S.A. Inc. - a wholly owned subsidiary - in January 2008, will enable the Group to gain a leading role also in these markets, strategic for its development policies.

About Marathon Media

Run by Vincent Chalvon Demersay and David Michel, Marathon Media is France’s largest animation producer and one of the top animation studios in the world. Its successes include, Monster Buster Club, Martin Mystery, Team Galaxy, Marsupilami, and of course the smashing hit series Totally Spies!

Marathon Group is France’s #1 audiovisual group, created from the fusion of five French audiovisual leaders: Marathon, Marathon Media, Télé Images and Adventure Line Productions and KM Production.

Since July 2007, Marathon Group has joined forces with powerful Italian publisher, De Agostini, thereby forming a leading European audiovisual group based in Paris, recently named Zodiak Entertainment. Marathon Group is a mainstay of this new world leader in production and distribution, alongside Zodiak Television and Magnolia.

About KONAMI CORPORATION

KONAMI CORPORATION was established in 1973, and became a holding company on March 31, 2006. KONAMI CORPORATION covers the fields of "Digital Entertainment Business", "Health & Fitness Business" and "Gaming & System Business". KONAMI CORPORATION went public on Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, the Singapore Stock Exchange in 1997, the London Stock Exchange in 1999, and the New York Stock Exchange in 2002. Home Page URL: www.konami.co.jp. Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid®, Silent Hill® and Pro Evolution Soccer™ amongst other top sellers. For more information concerning Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH and its products, please visit www.konami-europe.com/games.