Brand new online network enables Disney gamers and Narnia fans to communicate via Nintendo DS and online
Prince Caspian game to be available on multiple video game platforms
Disney Interactive Studios nnounced the availability of DGamer in North America for Nintendo DS users in conjunction with the launch of the Nintendo DS version of Disney/Walden Media’s The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. DGamer from Disney is the first-of-its-kind online community developed exclusively for Disney video gamers. Players can now use their Nintendo DS handhelds to interact with each other while on the go via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and online through the DGamer Web site (www.DGamer.com). The integrated service is scheduled to be included at no additional cost on subsequent Nintendo DS titles from Disney. DGamer is also scheduled to be available in other international regions by 2009.
“DGamer was built around the vision to connect Disney video game fans in a secure, fun environment and it is truly the first integrated online community of its kind to do so on multiple platforms,” said Graham Hopper, executive vice president and general manager for Disney Interactive Studios. “We recognize the importance of delivering unique experiences to our consumers and how crucial it is for parents to feel confident that the community is secure for their kids.
DGamer, which leverages the community technology of Disney.com, allows players to log into their DS and online accounts to create and customize a unique 3-D avatar and persistent profile. A wide variety of outfits, hats, eyewear and accessories are available to choose from, including special Disney-themed costumes, such as Buzz Lightyear, Tinker Bell and familiar Disney theme park mouse ears. Kids can chat, view user profiles of their DGamer friends, and post high scores to leaderboards. In addition, players earn “honors” which represent what players have been rewarded when completing in-game missions. Honors can also trigger unlockables such as special gear for player’s avatars, all of which transfer automatically between the DGamer Web site and the DGamer feature in DS games from Disney when users log in. For example, when playing The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, players can unlock Prince Caspian character costumes that can be worn by their DGamer avatar. Certain “honors” also unlock exclusive content in Nintendo DS games from Disney and within the DGamer channel online.
Parents are also encouraged to play an active role in the DGamer community. By accessing parental controls at www.dgamer.com, they can specify the level of interactivity that kids have online and feel confident that their child’s experience is age appropriate. For example, parents can choose between three chat levels for their kids’ use by utilizing the familiar security features and infrastructure at Disney.com, which hosts the DGamer site. Kids can either communicate using a predetermined list of words and phrases called “Speed Chat,” through modified free-form typing that blocks inappropriate language or suggestive phrases called “Speed Chat Plus,” or via “Open Chat” which requires an exchange of a True Friend Code outside of the DGamer system. Disney.com employs several safety features to ensure all chat communication is moderated for safety.
Fall Line Studio, the Nintendo platform-dedicated development studio of Disney Interactive Studios, developed both DGamer and The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is an action/role-playing adventure game that takes players through Narnia and beyond the events of the much-anticipated second film, which is set to open in theaters across North America tomorrow.
“The Chronicles of Narnia franchise has such a massive following that it made this the perfect game to launch DGamer on because it keeps fans connected like never before,” said Hopper. “Through the DGamer functionality, fans can chat, share honors, and engage in a truly unique
and different experience that immerses them in the world of Narnia in only a way that Disney can deliver.”
In addition to Nintendo DS, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ home video game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and Windows-based PC. The console and Windows-based PC versions of the game were developed by Traveller’s Tales and take players on a fast-paced action/adventure that features 20 playable characters and combat, exploration and puzzle solving that extends beyond the film. The console versions also include two live action scenes that were created exclusively for the video game and accompany 16 scenes taken from the film.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for Nintendo DS has an Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating of E10+ for Everyone 10 years and older and is now available for $29.99. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian for consoles and Windows-based PC is rated T for Teen and will be available for Xbox 360, the PLAYSTATION 3 system and Wii for $49.99; and the PLAYSTATION 2 system and Windows-based PC for $29.99.
For more information about DGamer, log on to www.dgamer.com. For more information about The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian video game, log on to www.princecaspianthegame.com.
About “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” film
The enchanted characters of C.S. Lewis’s timeless fantasy come to life again in this second installment of the seven book series, in which the Pevensie siblings are magically and mysteriously transported back from England to Narnia, where a thrilling, perilous new adventure and an even greater test of their faith and courage awaits them. For more information, log on to www.narnia.com.
About Walden Media
Walden Media specializes in entertainment that sparks imagination and engages young people in the learning process. Walden creates films, books and interactive media for the whole family to enjoy together. By working closely with the best talent in film and publishing and by collaborating
with educators and parents, Walden Media develops stories that delight and entertain audiences young and old. Walden Media produced the Academy Award winning film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in association with Walt Disney Pictures, Charlotte’s Web with Paramount and Nickelodeon Movies and Bridge to Terabithia with Walt Disney Pictures. Walden Media currently has a joint venture with Twentieth Century Fox to market and release family films for audiences of all ages. Films released under this venture include Nim’s Island and Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (co-produced with Mandate Pictures). Other upcoming releases include Journey 3D (with New Line Cinema), and the second film in the Narnia series, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.