London,21st February 2012 — Penguin Children’s Books today announced a global licensing partnership with Activision Publishing, Inc. a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure productsfor a series of books and apps to sit alongside Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, which was the #1 best-selling kid’s video game of 2011, according to NPD.
The Skylanders publishing programme will be the next tie-in range to expand a digital brand with exclusive downloads, guides to the world and original stories that are inspired by the game.
Penguin Children’s Books will publish five titles under its Media & Entertainment imprint from spring 2012 and in an industry first, the debut title will be an ebook: The Doomsday Quest which releases in April. The physical Doomsday Man title will publish in October, along with Master Eon’s Official Guide, Magic & Tech Handbook and a Sticker Book.
Eric Huang, Publishing Director for Media & Entertainment at Penguin Children’s Books, explains: “Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is such an innovative and exciting brand for kids aged six and older as it has everything a kid could wish for – mythical worlds, collectible figurines, portal masters and the opportunity to be a hero. Our publishing programme aims to expand the Skylanders universe and help position the brand as the number 1 boy brand of 2012.”
Ashley Maidy, Head of Global Licensing and Partnerships for Activision Publishing adds: “Since the debut of Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure this fall, kids have embraced the loveable characters and the magical storyline. We are thrilled to partner with Penguin and look forward to creating books that showcase the characters and their unique personalities in stories that will delight kids all over the world.”
In Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure, kids take on the role of a powerful Portal Master, leader of over 30 different characters, including the beloved purple dragon Spyro. Each of these creatures has been cast out of Skylands by the sinister Portal Master Kaos, and frozen in our world as toys. Players will embark on a magical journey; treasure hunting, solving puzzles and doing battle with fantastic, otherworldly enemies in a bid to bring the frozen guardians back to life and safely reunite them in the Skylands.
For more information, be sure to visit the official Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure game website: www.skylanders.com.
For further information, please contact:
Emma Nicholls, Head of Publicity, Penguin Children’s Books
emma.nicholls@uk.penguingroup.com
020 7010 3058
Penguin Children’s Books
Penguin Children’s Books won Children’s Publisher of the Year at the Bookseller Industry Awards for 2011. It comprises the following imprints: Ladybird, Warne, Sunbird, Puffin and Razorbill. The Penguin Children’s Group has paved the way in publishing tie-in books behind interactvie brands like Club Penguin and Moshi Monsters.
Activision Publishing, Inc.
Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com.
© 2012 Activision Publishing, Inc. Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure is a trademark and Spyro and Activision are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.