Planetwide Games Announces Launch Of Interactive 'National Geographic Comic Book Creator(TM)' Software
NEW YORK, NY (February 13, 2006, American International Toy Fair) - Planetwide Games, Inc., provider of innovative video games and application software, today announced a multiyear licensing agreement with the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Planetwide Games will integrate National Geographic's award-winning, celebrated content into the company's line of self-publishing software.
The first "National Geographic Comic Book Creator" interactive edutainment titles will focus on three separate versions for kids, teens and adults. All three versions will capitalize on Planetwide Games' leadership in the self-publishing software arena, most recently demonstrated with the release of "Comic Book CreatorTM." "National Geographic Comic Book Creator" interactive software versions will invite families to explore the wonder and majesty of the planet utilizing National Geographic's extensive collection of photography, scientific information and maps. Additionally, people can create their own personal documentaries based on their real-life experiences and travel adventures using their own photos and clip-art in a scrapbook style diary format and comic book series.
"The National Geographic Society is a very powerful brand, whose impeccable, family-oriented reputation for bringing knowledge of different cultures and geographies to many people is a perfect fit for our vision of this project," said Kevin Donovan, president of Planetwide Games. "Through our partnership with National Geographic, we want to empower people of all ages to share their life experiences and grow to understand the world on a global level in an educational and entertaining interactive environment."
"This partnership is an exciting one for National Geographic because it provides us with an additional platform to educate consumers about the world and allows us to reach a new audience through interactive software," said John Dumbacher, senior vice president of Licensing for the National Geographic Society.
Planetwide Games recently launched "Comic Book Creator," self-publishing software that allows consumers to utilize their own video game screenshots, DVD movies, digital photos or art assets to create personalized, authentic-looking comic books and comic strips. The company plans to introduce the Comic Book Society, a community site that will allow users from all over the world to collaborate on and share their comic creations.
For more information please visit http://www.PlanetwideGames.com.
About Planetwide Games
Based in Orange County, CA, Planetwide Games, Inc. is a provider of innovative games and application software. The Company's games and applications easily integrate with portals and major game developers, or can be sold separately through digital downloads and box sales at retail locations. Planetwide Games develops proprietary online technology and software products and is building a worldwide network of affiliates. Visit http://www.PlanetwideGames.com, http://www.MyComicBookCreator.com and http://www.ComicBookSociety.net.
Earlier today, SP Holding Corporation (OTC SPHG.OB) and Planetwide Games announced the execution of a definitive merger agreement whereby SP Holding Corporation will merge with Planetwide Games by issuing shares of SP Holding Corporation common stock in exchange for all outstanding Planetwide Games common shares and the assumption of Planetwide stock options and warrants. The combined companies will be renamed Planetwide Games, Corp. and continue Planetwide Games' current business. The merger is expected to be tax-free to the stockholders of both companies. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including the definitive merger agreement, that was executed on the same terms specified in the term sheet, to be filed on Form 8-K by SP Holding Corporation approximately five days before closing.
About the National Geographic Society
Founded in 1888, the National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations, with a mission to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge while promoting conservation of Earth's cultural and natural resources. It reaches more than 330 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and its four other magazines; the National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; radio programs; films; books; videos and DVDs; maps; and interactive media. National Geographic has funded more than 8,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, log on to http://www.nationalgeographic.com; AOL Keyword: NatGeo.
Safe Harbor Statement
With the exception of historical information, matters discussed in this news release, including, in particular, statements to the effect that the planned merger will close, that Planetwide will have $5 million in cash at closing, and the planned merger being tax-free are forward-looking statements involving a number of risks and uncertainties and may not be achieved due to factors beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include general economic conditions and their affect on consumer spending, the company's inability to sufficiently anticipate market needs and develop products, increased competition, changing customer demands, market acceptance of combined company products and higher than anticipated expenses the combined company may incur in future quarters. Planetwide Games, Inc. undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
COMPANY CONTACT:
Mark Politi | Planetwide Games, Inc.
32 Journey, Suite 250
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 421-0488
mark.politi@planetwidegames.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Devin Parr | Edelman
Phone: (323) 202-1072
devin.parr@edelman.com
Jenny Majalca | Edelman
Phone: (323) 202-1056
jenny.majalca@edelman.com