Bakugan is big with the kids, or it was last time I checked, which was a year ago, so the Nintendo DS game based on the animated series should do rather well, especially now that Activision has revealed the Collector's Edition, which comes with a limited-edition Naga Bakugan toy, which they can immediately sell on eBay. No, really!

"One look on eBay will show you how fanatics obsess over rare Bakugans - we're sure the Naga battle ball will become one of the most prized of all," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Bakugan players and gamers are getting the opportunity to score something special while picking up the most entertaining Nintendo DS™ game of the year!"

If this is the case, you should probably preorder around 20 and just sit on them for awhile. I want to see you camping out for this one, people!

For those of you who don't know who Naga is, Activision provides a description below.

The Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall Victory Pack for PC and Mac should be arriving in stores tomorrow courtesy of a partnership with Majesco. For $19.99, new players will receive a four-month subscription to the game, a game guide with details on all of FusionFall's special powers, or nanos, and codes for two exclusive outfits and weapon sets.

The game launches online tomorrow, with a robust free-to-play section to allow you and / or your children to try the game out before committing to the relatively meager $5.95 a month subscription fee. For more on the title, read on, or hit up the game's official site at www.FusionFall.com.

MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS WITH CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES TO SHIP 'CARTOON NETWORK UNIVERSE: FUSIONFALL' FOR PC AND MAC

First Massively Multiplayer Online Game for Kids Is Now Available In Stores As 'Victory Pack Exclusive'

EDISON, N.J., January 13, 2009 - Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, and Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) today announced that Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall for PC and Mac has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The first massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) for kids, and a major initiative for the network, FusionFall is set within a re-imagined Cartoon Network universe where players must rally together to defend the world from an epic alien invasion. The Victory Pack Exclusive retail version of FusionFall is loaded with extras including: a four month subscription to the online game, an in-depth game guide with details of all "Nanos," monsters and adventure paths, and codes for two exclusive outfit and weapon sets only available in the Victory Pack.

"FusionFall is an innovative and groundbreaking MMOG that will appeal to the legions of Cartoon Network fans," said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. "Partnering with Cartoon Network on the retail version of the game was a major initiative for us and we believe the extensive added value in the Victory Pack will enhance the playing experience."

"A massive undertaking for the network, FusionFall stands to be a truly unique and rich gaming experience for kids that blends some of our most popular characters in a way that has never been seen before," said Christina Miller, vice president, CNE. "Building off of this excitement, we're pleased to partner with Majesco to offer fans an extension of the game at retail day and date with its online launch." The intergalactic conqueror Planet Fusion is invading the Cartoon Network world - warping terrain, corrupting the environment, and creating evil Cartoon Network character clones! Players must team up with the online community and more than 50 characters from some of Cartoon Network's most popular shows - including Ben 10 Alien Force, Dexter's Laboratory, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ed, Edd' n Eddy, The Powerpuff Girls, Kids Next Door, Samurai Jack, and many more, to restore order to the Cartoon Network universe. After creating their own unique avatar, players will explore a massive 17-plus square kilometer area with 60 playable zones including familiar areas from Cartoon Network shows and fusion "infected" areas.

Created through a partnership with leading Korean MMOG developer Grigon Entertainment, FusionFall is a mix of 3-D console platform game action and all the customization, character development and open-ended world exploration of a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game). New, expanded content will be added to the game regularly. Players can collect a variety of items throughout the game, including more than 30 customizable "Nanos" - tiny stylized versions of Cartoon Network's most famous characters - that provide special powers and abilities across more than 600 unique missions. In addition, FusionFall's distinctive visual approach combines an all-new cel-shaded anime style fit within the familiar look and feel of Cartoon Network.

Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up, the Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall Victory Pack Exclusive for PC and Mac is now available for the suggested retail price of $19.99. The game will also officially launch online January 14. For additional information about the game please visit the official site at www.FusionFall.com.

The Turner-owned kids brand has commissioned SinoTech, a Beijing-based firm, to create online casual games based on its own characters as well as cartoon characters owned by SinoTech. The deal also gives SinoTech exclusive rights to sell ads around the games, with a focus on tapping new advertisers from China.

SinoTech will develop two games each month that can be deployed on Cartoon Network’s pan-regional site as well its localized site in Taiwan. The games they produce may find their way onto Cartoon Network’s other localized sites in Asia such as Japan and Korea, as well as on a mooted localized site for mainland China that's in the pipeline.

CN is looking for a piece of the casual Chinese pie, though it's doubtful they'll really be able to challenge QQ.com; still, CN execs are confident that their targeted kids market will give focus and direction to future marketing efforts.

Cartoon Network’s Chinese Dream [Asia Media Journal]

Cartoon Network Launches New Build-Your-Own Ben 10: Alien Force Game on CartoonNetwork.com

New Ben 10: Alien Force Game Creator and Current Record-Holding Ben 10 Digital Offerings Build Excitement for Newly Revamped Series of Hit Animated Show

ATLANTA—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Cartoon Network New Media today launched Ben 10 Alien Force: Game Creator, a new, free online game that merges the popular animated action franchise with user-generated content, marking the first game of its kind.

Beginning today, fans can access the tools and animations they need to build their own action-adventure game featuring the new series Ben 10: Alien Force, which premiered with record-breaking ratings April 18 on Cartoon Network. The game is based on the new Ben 10 series, which advances the plot five years into the future. The Ben 10: Alien Force Game Creator lets users easily build their own online games and share them with fans everywhere. Players choose their own hero from four of Ben's new aliens — Swampfire, Humongousaur, Jetray and Spidermonkey — each of which has unique powers and abilities that impact game play. Completed games can be shared with friends and sent to CartoonNetwork.com's game gallery for other fans to play and rate.

Ben 10 games are consistently among the most popular of the 190+ free games at CartoonNetwork.com. Most recently, the first game based on the new series, Ben 10 Alien Force: Forever Defense, smashed records on the site, scoring more than five million game plays in its debut week of March 10 - 16, 2008. The previous game-play record-holder for the site was also from Ben 10 with Ben 10: Savage Pursuit, which grabbed more than four million game plays its first week online in October of 2007.

"This year we will launch thousands of new games — or, rather, our audience will," said Paul Condolora, senior vice president, Digital for Turner's Animation, Young Adults and Kids Media Group. "Ben 10: Alien Force Game Creator gives kids the power and creative freedom to build and publish their own games and is a first step in our ambition to become the number one online destination where kids go to create, play and share games."

Ben 10 games currently dominate the top 10 most popular games at CartoonNetwork.com, holding five of the top ten spots, including Ben 10: Alien Force Forever Defense at No. 2; Ben 10: Alien Force Action Packs at No. 3; Ben 10: Battle Ready at No. 4 and Ben 10: Cannonbolt Pinball at No. 5.

Ben 10 characters are also part of Cartoon Network New Media's upcoming foray into the massively multiplayer online gaming market with Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall. In addition, Ben 10 has invaded the mobile space with its title on Cartoon Network's games channel on Smashing Games for Verizon subscribers. Ring tones and wallpapers for mobile devices also are available at CartoonNetwork.com.

Ben 10 premiered on Cartoon Network in January 2006 and has consistently been the network's #1 show on Saturday mornings. Along with the new series, Ben 10 has also spawned a tremendously successful toy and video game line as well as two hit television movies. The live-action movie Ben 10: Race Against Time set record ratings for the network when over 13 million viewers watched during its 2007 Thanksgiving weekend premiere.

The newest Ben 10 series, Ben 10: Alien Force, premiered Friday, April 18, 2008 at 8 p.m. (ET, PT), and was the most-watched original series premiere in Cartoon Network history. The new series began the next chapter in the Ben 10 saga five years later, when 15-year-old Ben Tennyson chooses to once again put on the OMNITRIX. He discovers that it has reconfigured his DNA and can now transform him into 10 brand new aliens. Joined by his super-powered cousin Gwen Tennyson and his equally powerful former enemy Kevin Levin, Ben is on a mission to find his missing Grandpa Max. In order to save his Grandpa, Ben must defeat the evil DNAliens, a powerful alien race intent on destroying the galaxy, starting with planet Earth. Ben joins forces with other young heroes to save the galaxy and his Grandpa Max, while passing along his knowledge to a whole new generation.

D3PUBLISHER OF AMERICA TO WOW GAMERS THIS FALL WITH VIDEOGAME VERSION OF BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE, THE NEW CARTOON NETWORK SERIES

Follow Up to Last Year's Top-Selling Ben 10: Protector of Earth to Launch in Fall 2008

LOS ANGELES - May 1, 2008 - D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, will bring Cartoon Network's next generation series BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE to videogame systems with BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game on the Wii™ home videogame system, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ system and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system. The successful inaugural game for the brand, Ben 10™: Protector of Earth, launched in October 2007 and has sold more than one million units worldwide. Based on the next generation television series launched on Cartoon Network last month, BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game begins five years after Ben put away the DNA-scrambling Omnitrix, but now Grandpa Max has gone missing and the planet Earth is in grave danger. Gamers must help Ben take the Omnitrix out of retirement and lead eight different playable characters—including cousin Gwen, enemy-turned-ally Kevin Levin and five of Ben's brand new alien forms—to utilize their all-new super powers and defeat the intergalactic invaders! BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game is slated to ship to retail outlets across North America in fall 2008.

"BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game is the only console videogame that allows players to take command of the ALIEN FORCE team to authentically control and experience their brand-new superpowers," said Alison Quirion, vice president of marketing, D3PA. "Based on fans' warm reception of Ben's newest adventures and the impressive million-plus unit sales of the first Ben 10 videogame, we're confident that our latest collaboration with Cartoon Network on BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game will prove even more successful."

"BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE set records as the most-watched original series premiere in Cartoon Network's history, winning its timeslot when it debuted, and each week the series continues to grow as destination viewing for kids," said Christina Miller, vice president of consumer products for Cartoon Network Enterprises. "The release of BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game this fall will build upon the success of the first videogame by expanding fans' experience with the brand and giving them a new battle to win with Ben."

In BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game, players work to find Grandpa Max and stop a diabolical Highbreed alien plot as they battle more than 20 types of enemies, including Highbreed invaders and DNAliens. Gamers take control of Ben and his new alien forms Swampfire, Jet Ray, Humungousaur, Spidermonkey and Big Chill to employ distinctly different and complex powers to manipulate fire, swim underwater, grow more than 60 feet tall, stick to walls, fly at mach speed, plus lots more! Gamers will also harness cousin Gwen's new talent to create an energy shield and use it to protect and attack, as well as Kevin Levin's ability to absorb materials like concrete, wood and metal to create an impenetrable shell on his body. BEN 10 ALIEN FORCE The Game is a fast-paced, 3D side-scrolling action adventure that offers eight playable characters, an unlimited combo system and puzzles and challenges that will engage players of all levels for hours at a time. The Nintendo DS version will offer alternate playable alien forms including Goop and Echo Echo, giving players additional unique powers to command and explore.

BEN 10: ALIEN FORCE The Game for Nintendo DS is under development by 1st Playable Productions, LLC. All other versions are under development by Monkey Bar Games™. The game is currently rated "RP" ("Rating Pending") by the ESRB.

Alan Probe: Amateur Surgeon [Adult Swim Games - Thanks king_e_dawg!]

That goo transforms the world's ordinary objects, such as tires and barrels, into mutated, less than scary monsters. You'll do the typical MMO whacking, whether it be with an oversized wrench or sword, or blasting with a poppy purple gun, taking out enemies to gain experience. From the hands-on time I spent with the game, it follows fairly standard MMO action conventions.

What sets the game apart are the nanos you can summon, super-deformed versions of characters like Mojo Jojo or Eduardo or Dexter. Each will give you special attack powers or physical abilities that will aid you in your quest, not unlike Phantasy Star Online's mags or other MMO-style pets.

The game also sports a sharp, clean, colorful graphical style that stands out in Western released MMOs. Textures look appropriately cartoony and every avatar shown at Comic Con looks like an anime-like tween. It's infectiously cute.

Fusion Fall is in alpha stage at this point and impossible to judge on its gameplay merits, but visually and conceptually it looks like a solid entry into the market. I signed up for the beta at Comic Con and hope to spend more time with it in the coming months.

Fully titled Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am, the game is "epic, action-adventure combat golf, cart racing game" that will "set a new standard for crime-fighting, golf-obsessed, food battles." Lofty goals, Midway.

Still, any game that features ninja and zombies and golf is probably going to sell, and sell well, regardless of the license. Hell, the press release was even fun to read and I detest the written word. It's after the jump. Michael McWhertor

MIDWAY AND CARTOON NETWORK ANNOUNCE AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE ZOMBIE NINJA PRO-AM

Game Based on Hit Animated Comedy from Adult Swim Scheduled for Release on PlayStation 2 Computer Entertainment System this Fall

CHICAGO - March 21, 2007 - Midway Games Inc. (NYSE: MWY), a leading interactive entertainment industry publisher and developer, today announced that it will be developing an interactive title based on the hit comedy series from Adult Swim - Aqua Teen Hunger Force. Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am is scheduled to be available for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system this fall. The series, which follows the exploits of a trio of sentient fast-food items, has also inspired a feature length film - Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theaters due in theaters April 13.

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Zombie Ninja Pro-Am is an epic, action-adventure combat golf, cart racing game that gives fans an opportunity to experience the Aqua Teen universe in a whole new way. When Frylock is admitted to the prestigious Jersey Pines Golf Club, Master Shake decides to show the uppity members that he is also just as good (and uppity) and deserves a place in their exclusive club. Meatwad is, of course, persuaded to join in, and the three crime-fighting food products use golf clubs and a variety of other weapons in ways not intended as they battle numerous villains, fan favorites and other show characters.

"Aqua Teen Hunger Force is a unique and completely hilarious property," said Steve Allison, chief marketing officer, Midway. "We are working closely with Aqua Teen creators Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis to bring the tone of the TV show and movie into a video game."

"We are thrilled to be bringing the hilarious antics of Adult Swim's Aqua Teen Hunger Force to a one of kind gaming experience," said Christina Miller, VP of Consumer Products for Cartoon Network Enterprises, the network's global merchandising division. "This game will set a new standard for crime-fighting, golf-obsessed, food battles."

"This golden chalice represents a new age in gaming, the likes of which has never before been seen on this planet. The weak will tremble at the awesomeness of our full color, hand-made graphics!" said creators Maiellaro and Willis simultaneously and in unison.

'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' is an original comedy series that is part of Adult Swim, Cartoon Network's top-rated late-night sister service which presents programming six nights per week for a total of 45 hours. 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force' had its series premiere in September 2001, when Adult Swim launched. More than 60 episodes of the series have been completed to date. The Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters, also written and produced by Maiellaro and Willis, is scheduled to debut on over 800 screens on April 13, and will uncover the mysterious origins of Meatwad, Frylock and Master Shake.

Cartoon Network has awarded D3Publisher of America the video game rights to the popular cartoon Ben 10, which features a young boy named Ben who discovers an alien device that allows him to transform into different alien heroes, each with their own unique form and powers. It's kind of like the old DC Dial H for Hero comic. Speaking of which, someone needs to secure those rights. Dial H would make an awesome game...just think of the downloadable community created content possibilities alone. Boggles the mind it does.

Anyway, Ben 10 has all the properties in place to make an excellent video game. A morphing hero that can adapt to many different situations, a Cthulu looking alien enemy complete with minions, a human nemesis named Kevin 11 who would be perfect for two-player competitive gameplay...the list goes on. Of course, as a licensed Cartoon Network children's property whichever developer the license ends up with will mangle it horribly, but a guy can dream. Michael Fahey

Cartoon Network Awards D3Publisher of America The Gaming Rights to Ben 10

Letting Any Kid Be an Alien Superhero

What kid wouldn't want to be Ben Tennyson - a boy who can turn into hundreds of different alien heroes? Soon they can. Cartoon Network Enterprises, the global licensing and merchandising arm of the network, has awarded D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA) the gaming rights to the hit action-adventure series Ben 10. D3PA, a leading publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, has worldwide publishing rights to develop and publish console, handheld and PC games based on the Ben 10 series. The first Ben 10 interactive video game is scheduled for release in fall 2007.

"Interactive gaming has proven to be a leading category for our core audience," said Christina Miller, vice president of U.S. consumer products for Cartoon Network Enterprises. "We are fortunate to be partnering once again with an industry leader who knows the trends and gaming formats that will appeal to our fan base and allow them to experience Ben's world in a whole new way."

"Cartoon Network's Ben 10 has all the right ingredients for a successful game," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development, D3PA. "Working with this strong franchise will give D3PA the opportunity to translate the smart and edgy action of the series into a fantastic gameplay experience for its large fanbase."

Ben 10 follows the exciting adventures of 10-year-old Ben Tennyson who discovers a strange alien "wristwatch" called the Omnitrix, that enables him to transform into different alien beings, each with unique powers and abilities—all while retaining his 10-year-old personality. The series launched in January 2006, ranking #1 in its time period on basic cable for delivery with boys 6-11 and 9-14.

Ben 10, which was recently greenlit for a fourth season, can be seen on Cartoon Network Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. ET/PT where it anchors the popular Miguzi programming block. New episodes of Ben 10 will debut on Saturdays at 10 a.m. beginning February 17th.

The Ben 10 game from D3PA will help to round out an already robust Ben 10 consumer products program, which includes toys, games, apparel, footwear, accessories, home furnishings, back-to-school items and publishing.
Cartoon Network has a strong partnership with D3PA which has produced games for Nintendo's GBA and DS platforms based on the network's animated rock adventure Hi Hi PuffyAmiYumi.

D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3, Inc. with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy Advance, Nintendo GameCube , Nintendo DS , PlayStation game console, PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system and the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us.

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel's growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of marquee animation franchises including Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends, Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Ed, Edd and Eddy, Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, My Gym Partner is a Monkey, Camp Lazlo, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Adult Swim and more. Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

###

It's official: Everyone is working on a massively multiplayer online game. Cartoon Network just announced that they have partnered with Grigon Entertainment to put together a MMO that will be packed with the likes of Mac, Bloo, Ben 10 and the Kids Next Door.

While at first blush this sounds like a formula for instant crap, there are a couple of tidbits that have me thinking the game stands a chance. The game is going to be a free download, making money off of a yet-to-be-announced subscription and in-game micro transactions.

The press release also says that the game's theme will be built around a "East-meets-West" creative approach, which sounds very interesting, especially if they mean that we will be seeing western cartoon characters mingling with Anime.

The game is set to hit in spring 2008. Hit the jump for a bunch of time-wasting PR babble.

"Cartoon Network is an immersive experience for our fans, and this MMOG will allow our fans to interact with their favorite characters like never before. Not only will kids be able to play with their favorite characters like Mac and Bloo, Ben 10 and the Kids Next Door, but they will also be able to develop their own online gaming personalities and interact, virtually, with other players in a safe way," said Jim Samples, Cartoon Network executive vice president and general manager. "This MMOG is a key part of Cartoon Network's growth strategy, and is an important complement to our mobile, broadband and our existing online business. With the MMOG, mobile content, our Web sites and, of course, our linear network, Cartoon Network is always on for kids."

"Online games have been the most important driver of Cartoon Network New Media's success over the last few years. With more than 84 million U.S. homes expected to have broadband Internet access by 2008, and Cartoon Network's reach and creative vision, we're excited to enter the fast-growing world of massively multiplayer online gaming," said Paul Condolora, senior vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network New Media. "In Grigon Entertainment, we have found a partner who understands how to build a successful MMOG for the casual marketplace. With our characters and creative direction, along with Grigon's experience and technical know-how, we think Cartoon Network's MMOG will have great success and longevity."

"It's my greatest pleasure to work as partners with Cartoon Network, the world's most influential entertainment brand," said Byung-Kyu Cho, chief executive officer of Grigon Entertainment Co., Ltd. "When I look at the globally adored characters of Cartoon Network getting together harmonically with the renowned strength and uniqueness of Grigon, I have all my confidence that we will proudly present an online game which will astonish the world."

Brian Crecente