National Geographic, DSI Partner For Penguins, Monsters

Officials representing National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Destination Software Incorporated (DSI) (Hot Wheels Stunt Track Challenge) have announced a partnership to license and distribute games from National Geographic’s current and upcoming film franchises. 2005's “March of the Penguins” and National Geographic Giant Screen Films' upcoming “Sea Monsters” will be the first two features to be made into video games as part of this new deal. The March of the Penguins game will follow the film’s survival story while presenting the player with various challenges and obstacles. March of the Penguins is currently scheduled to ship for the Gameboy Advance and Nintendo DS this holiday season, and will be available as part of a special package that includes National Geographic books and a plush toy. In development for Nintendo's upcoming Wii platform, as well as the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo DS, the release of Sea Monsters will coincide with the worldwide premiere of the “Sea Monsters” film in October 2007. The game will feature gameplay that mirrors the events of the film, which features a prehistoric world that brings sea creatures to life as they journey through the bottom of Earth’s ancient seas. “Video games are a top entertainment medium of choice for our youth audiences, and by embracing this platform we’ll continue to reach out to kids in a relevant and entertaining way,” commented NGV vice president, Entertainment Strategy and Development, Paul Levine. “Leveraging DSI’s expertise and successful track record in developing and marketing family-friendly video games further underscores National Geographic’s commitment to exciting people to explore their world.”