{mosgoogle}The Hasbro Properties Group (HPG), the intellectual property development arm of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS) today announced a global licensing agreement with RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNWK), the leading developer, publisher and web-based distributor of casual games, that will bring fans of Hasbro's best-known and most recognized game brands into the online digital media arena.
"Our agreement with RealNetworks--a leader in the online digital media arena--is one more example of Hasbro's commitment to expand our presence in the digital media space with many of our popular toy and game brands," said Jane Ritson-Parsons, president of the Hasbro Properties Group. "We see the online digital media space as a natural complement to the lifestyle experiences that we're providing to consumers in a variety of categories."
"Working with Hasbro will bring a wealth of new titles to RealArcade," said Michael Schutzler, SVP, Games Division at RealNetworks, Inc. "Now, in addition to our already-rich selection of casual games, we'll be able to add classic favorites to our games portfolio and bring nostalgic American gameplay to our RealArcade audience."
RealNetworks will provide online gamers with new versions of MONOPOLY(R) and SCRABBLE(R) (U.S and Canada only) late this summer on www.realarcade.com, as well as on other online gaming venues. In addition, RealNetworks is committed to the development and distribution of new online games for YAHTZEE(R), CLUE(R) and THE GAME OF LIFE(R) over the next few years.
The agreement with RealNetworks follows Hasbro's dedicated expansion in the digital media category following the company's reacquisition of its digital media rights from Infogrames Entertainment SA in June 2005. As part of the transaction, Hasbro reacquired the rights to marquis brands such as TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY, TONKA, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, CONNECT FOUR, CANDY LAND and PLAYSKOOL, as well as hundreds more of its worldwide toy and game brands.
Earlier this week, the Company announced it had granted Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), a leading publisher of interactive entertainment software products, the global rights, excluding Japan, to develop console, handheld and PC games based on Hasbro's renowned TRANSFORMERS brand.
"Digital gaming is a natural step for Hasbro's classic properties as the category offers children and adults additional play experiences with our top brands," Ritson-Parsons concluded.
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