TORONTO, Sept. 28 /CNW/ - Corus Entertainment Inc. announced today plans
to develop a network of massive multiplayer online games (MMOGs) in
partnership with Quebec-based Frima Studio Inc. Unparalleled in the
marketplace, this immersive online game initiative for kids, code-named
Constellation, is set to launch later this year.
"We are extremely excited about this new initiative. MMOGs are among the
fastest growing segment in online games and, to date, nothing of this
magnitude has been developed for kids in North America," said John Cassaday,
President and CEO, Corus Entertainment. "This venture is central to Corus'
growth strategy to build and promote our core brands on multiple platforms,
while providing clients with unique and integrated sponsorship opportunities."
Designed specifically for kids ages eight - 12 and developed with
insights from the YTV Tween Report, Constellation builds on kids' enthusiasm
for games and the opportunity to interact with other kids. Constellation
introduces players to a virtual universe that allows them to explore, compete,
chat, collect, create and customize characters and play mini-games in a safe
online environment. This MMOG offers players limitless and ever-expanding play
opportunities and access to a community of like-minded users.
"We are proud to contribute our creativity and know-how to this
extraordinary venture," said Steve Couture, President of Frima Studio Inc.
"Our expertise in developing multiplayer online games and our passion for
creating compelling original content, combined with Corus' leadership position
in the Kids entertainment space, is the perfect match for this innovative
project."
"By targeting the growing trend for online games and diversifying our web
offerings with this new initiative, Corus continues to lead the way, offering
imaginative and age-appropriate content, served up in ways that suit today's
tech-savvy kids," said Paul Robertson, President, Television, Corus
Entertainment.
Corus Entertainment, Canada's largest kids' broadcaster, continues to
remain at the forefront of media innovation, creating brand experiences that
offer audiences all-encompassing access to its content-rich environments on
television, on mobile, on-demand, and online.
About Corus Entertainment Inc.
Corus Entertainment Inc. is a Canadian-based media and entertainment
company. Corus is a market leader in specialty television and radio with
additional assets in pay television, advertising and digital audio services,
television broadcasting, children's book publishing and children's animation.
The company's multimedia entertainment brands include YTV, Treehouse, W
Network, Movie Central, Nelvana, Kids Can Press and radio stations including
CKNW, CKOI and Q107. Corus creates engaging branded entertainment experiences
for its audiences across multiple platforms. A publicly traded company, Corus
is listed on the Toronto (CJR.B) and New York (CJR) exchanges. Experience
Corus on the web at www.corusent.com.
About Frima Studio Inc.
Frima Studio is a leading Quebec based interactive development studio.
Frima custom tailors content for a wide variety of platforms for the
entertainment market. Founded in 2003, and in constant growth since, its
world-class interactive and animated products have been served to major
international entertainment companies such as Warner Bros, MegaBloks,
Shockwave and the SRC/CBC among others. Focused on adapting content to various
platforms through technological know-how, Frima also develops its own Original
Properties that it exploits across multiple markets such as broadcast
television and downloadable distribution. Privately held, Frima can count on a
team of over 40 seasoned artists and programmers to develop its leading-edge
game engines and breathtaking visuals.