NiK NaK launch with Dragonology™ and Wizardology™ development deal from Codemasters®
NiK NaK, the new Guildford-based studio from Kuju Entertainment that specialises in the creation of games for young players, today announced that its first titles to be developed for Wii will be Dragonology and Wizardology for publisher Codemasters®.
The action games are based on the 'Ology series of books from Templar Publishing, which have sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Dragonology explores the study and conservation of dragons, while Wizardology is a manual of spells and magical information, purported to be written by the legendary magician Merlin. The NiK NaK games will tap into children's insatiable appetite for all things magical and mythical.
Studio Head Kevin Holloway commented:
"We are delighted to be working with Codemasters on the Dragonology and Wizardology games for Wii. The readers of the Templar books are exactly the target audience that NiK NaK's games set out to entertain. In developing the games, we have designed ways that will make the Wii Remote an intuitive control device for the younger player, whilst allowing more experienced players the challenge of perfecting their performance."
Andrew Wensley, Executive Producer, Family Entertainment and Lifestyle Games, Codemasters, commented:
"NiK NaK shares our passion for extending the 'Ology series to gamers and creating a playing experience that reflects the immersive nature of the books. With such inspirational subject matter as a base, we're thoroughly excited to be bringing the magical worlds of the 'Ologies to life."
Dragonology will be the first title in the series and is expected to launch in the second half of 2008.
For Further Information Contact Kevin.holloway@niknakgames.com +44 (0)1483 685330 / +44 (0)7904 518535
About NiK NaK
NiK NaK is the Kuju studio dedicated to developing world class games for children. Based on the Surrey University Research Park near Guildford, it develops games for all platforms targeted at younger players aged 6-12.
www.niknakgames.com
About Kuju Entertainment
Kuju Entertainment is one of Europe's leading independent game developers on console, PC and handheld platforms. Kuju operates 6 studios in the UK; Chemistry, Kuju London, Zoë Mode, Rail Simulator, doublesix and NiK NaK. Kuju Entertainment is part of the Catalis N.V. media services group.
www.kuju.com
About Codemasters
Codemasters is a leading developer and publisher of best-selling interactive entertainment products for a global audience across multiple gaming platforms and channels. Established in 1986, the company's dominant brands include Colin McRae DiRT, Overlord, Clive Barker's Jericho, Race Driver, Brian Lara Cricket and Operation Flashpoint. Codemasters is headquartered in Warwickshire UK, with North American operations based in Burbank, Calif. The company also maintains operations in Germany, France, Spain, and Benelux. Codemasters receives over two million visitors to its web site every month, discover why at www.codemasters.com
About Templar
Templar is an award-winning publisher of high quality children's books. Its series of 'Ology' books have become a worldwide publishing phenomenon selling over 14 million copies. Templar won the first ever Richard and Judy Children's book award in 2006 with Calm Down, Boris (Sam Lloyd). Templar developed and launched the Amazing Baby brand in 2003 to great acclaim. Its list also includes: Simon Bartram whose book Bob Man on the Moon won the Blue Peter Children's Book of the Year, Helen Ward, Maurice Pledger, Derek Matthews and Ross Collins. For more information visit: Templarco.co.uk. Templar Company PLC, The Granary, North Street, Dorking, Surrey RH4 IDN.
Dragonology: the Complete book of Dragons, by Dugald A Steer, was first published in 2003, creating a series which has sold over 5.7 million copies worldwide in 32 different languages. In the U.S., where the series is published by Candlewick Press, Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology have all been New York Times bestsellers and the 'Ology series was recently noted in the Wall Street Journal as 'a major publishing phenomenon'. For more information on the 'Ology series, please visit www.ologyworld.com
Wii AND THE Wii LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF NINTENDO.
Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology are trademarks of the Templar Company plc.