Namco Networks secures Dilbert license

Namco Networks America, the recently established mobile subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings, has announced a new partnership with United Media to bring the famous comic-strip hero, Dilbert, to US mobile phone users.

Originally created by Scott Adams, Dilbert's satirical look at the daily grind of office work has turned the character into something of a cultural phenomenon, appearing daily in over 2000 newspapers worldwide and reaching an audience in excess of 150 million readers, in addition to selling over 20 million books and calendars in North America alone.

Namco Networks VP of Sales and Marketing, Scott Rubin, commented: "Dilbert's trials and tribulations as a corporate cog make him an ideal mobile game star. The game will appeal to anyone who has experienced cubicle life or has dealt with office bureaucracy. With its mass market appeal, Dilbert will make a great addition to our growing list of brand-based games."

"We are excited to further our relationship with Namco Networks by adding a mobile game to Dilbert's impressive multimedia portfolio," added Jean Sagendorph, licensing manager at United Media. "Namco Networks' ability to create fun, quality games makes them the perfect partner for creating a Dilbert-based mobile game that will allow fans of the comic to interact with Dilbert and his corporate world."

Dilbert for mobiles is scheduled to make its US debut in Autumn 2006, although no specific details regarding the game's content or gameplay style has been revealed to date.

United Media, a worldwide licensing and syndication company, has an existing agreement with Birmingham, UK-based Blue Sphere Games, for the creation and publishing of a range of exclusive Dilbert mobile content such as games, ringtones, wallpapers, icons, animated GIFs and episodes of the comic strip itself. Blue Sphere's licensing agreement extends to EMEA territories and excludes US markets.