Toy Phenomenon Cabbage Patch Kids® Coming to Personal Computers from D3Publisher of America
LOS ANGELES - July 26, 2005 - Adding to its growing list of licensees, D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, today announced a licensing agreement with Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. for the personal computer game rights to Cabbage Patch Kids®. Under the agreement, D3PA is expected to release Cabbage Patch Kids products for personal computers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. D3PA is anticipating the release of its first CPK personal computer game in Q3 2005.
"With the recent surge in popularity of nostalgia toys, the Cabbage Patch Kids franchise was a perfect opportunity for D3PA, since they personify the toys of the '80s," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development for D3PA. "With the tremendous success of the Cabbage Patch Kids toy line re-launch, the timing was right to create a fun 'Kids' gaming experience in the interactive market."
"The addition of Cabbage Patch Kids to D3PA's product release schedule further solidifies our strategy of focusing on very select platforms and genres with the greatest market opportunities," said Yoji Takenaka, executive vice president and chief operating officer of D3PA. "Cabbage Patch Kids, in addition to our license for Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, supports our corporate objectives during this period of console transition."
Since the birth of Cabbage Patch Kids in 1983, more than 100 million one-of-a-kind 'Kids have been "adopted" throughout the world, and their unique individual features and representation of all races and ethnicities have established the 'Kids as one of the most beloved and popular children's products of all time.
"These new games from D3Publisher will provide a unique way for kids to experience the nurturing quality of the legendary and ever-popular Cabbage Patch Kids brand," said Alfred R. Kahn, Chairman and CEO of 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE), the worldwide licensing and marketing agent for Cabbage Patch Kids.
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3Publisher, with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy® Advance, Nintendo GameCubeTM, Nintendo DSTM, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3p.us.
About Original Appalachian Artworks
Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. (OAA) founded in 1978 by Cabbage Patch Kids creator, Xavier Roberts, is a privately held corporation located in Cleveland, Georgia. Headquarters to the world famous Cabbage Patch Kids brand and home to BabyLand General Hospital, one of Georgia's top tourist attractions, OAA also manages a wide range of other projects, while continuing to deliver hand-stitched one-of-a-kind, soft-sculpture Cabbage Patch Kids. For more information visit www.cabbagepatchkids.com.
About 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: KDE) is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; product development and Web site development. For further information, please visit the Company's Web sites at www.4KidsEntertainment.com and www.4Kids.TV.
Contact:
Kirk Green
Gonzo Communications
(949) 459-2165
kirk@gonzocom.com
Dan Klores Communications for OAA/4Kids Entertainment
Jeffrey Klein or Karen Silberg
212-981-5189 or 212-981-5232
jeff_klein@dkcnews.com / Karen_silberg@dkcnews.com