Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced it has entered into an exclusive, global licensing agreement with Giochi Preziosi and Marathon Media to develop and publish video games based on the hugely successful Gormiti action figure and entertainment franchise.
The new agreement expands the Gormiti phenomenon into the interactive entertainment software category with the first Gormiti titles to be released for Nintendo DS and Wii gaming systems.
Gormiti is the story of the never ending battle on the ‘Island of Gorm’ between vast armies inspired by the elemental forces of nature. Created and first launched by Giochi Preziosi in 2005, the expansive product line inspired by the heroes of Gorm is Europe’s fastest growing action figure brand. With over 100 million figures sold to date, Gormiti ranks among the category best sellers in all major European markets and is quickly gaining speed following its launch in the US earlier this year.
All new Gormiti adventures are featured in the Giochi Preziosi/Marathon Media co-production of a 52 episode, animated TV series entitled ‘Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return’. The animated series premiered in Italy to record ratings via the Mediaset network in September 2008 and will launch in fall 2009 on M6 in France and on RTL 2 in Germany. Broadcaster for other countries, including UK and Spain will be announced after MIP TV 2009.
“The Gormiti licence is one that is ideally suited to video games,” commented Kunio Neo, President for Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. “The collection side of it and the eternal battle between these elemental forces opens up a wide range of exciting possibilities. The games will be entrusted to our European development studio, and we look forward to unleashing the Gormiti armies on DS and Wii in the near future.”
“Konami’s global reach and marketing expertise combined with their proven ability to translate an action packed and character rich property like Gormiti into an exciting and sustainable video game franchise makes them a perfect partner to compliment and expand upon the Gormiti phenomenon” said Giochi Preziosi’s CEO Dario Berte. “Konami understands the magical appeal of Gormiti. We are excited and proud to be partnering with a company that shares our passion for creating a gaming experience that will bring these amazing characters to life for dedicated Gormiti fans and video game enthusiasts of all ages.”
Vincent Chalvon Demersay, President of Marathon Media, said, “The stories and characters that make “Gormiti - The Lords of Nature Return” such a unique and fascinating television series also make it a great candidate for adaptation as an exciting interactive gaming adventure. Konami has an exceptional track record of developing high quality games that capture the imagination and extend the entertainment experience into the gaming arena.”