I suspect that this is just a piece of schwag rather than official merchandising on the part of Ubisoft, though maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to release a cushion for the game. It could make sitting on that bit of Nintendo-branded hard plastic more comfortable.

I haven't had a chance yet to check out the accompanying game, but when Tristan played it at PAX he seemed to be having a blast. Though maybe that was more about his company at the time.

The other benefit of the co-marketing agreement is a series of excellent quotes from Capri Sun and Ubisoft brand managers. Vinay Sharma of Capri Sun says that putting Rabbids on juice containers is just one of the "inventive ways to keep the brand cool and relevant with our audience."

Tony Key of Ubisoft calls the agreement "an opportunity to showcase the quirkiness of the Raving Rabbids and the entertaining gameplay of the new title." Just one step closer to a world where the universal language is fruit punch.

Capri Sun Launches Integrated Marketing Campaign With Rayman Raving Rabbids(R) TV Party Video Game

Ogilvy Creates Partnership Between Capri Sun and Ubisoft

TARRYTOWN, N.Y., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ — Kraft's Capri Sun brand enters into new marketing territory though a domestic integrated marketing partnership with Ubisoft's Rayman Raving Rabbids(R) TV Party video game. The partnership was developed by Kraft's longtime advertising agency, Ogilvy New York.

The wholly integrated marketing campaign includes integration of Capri Sun in the forthcoming Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party video game for the Wii(TM) home video game system from Nintendo. The game and the Capri Sun participation with the series are being promoted nationwide on 50 million boxes of Capri Sun, through television advertising under the Capri Sun "Respect the Pouch" campaign, on a microsite with customized Capri Sun / Rayman Raving Rabbids Web games that feature specially designed Raving Rabbids characters and an online sweepstakes.

"As marketers, we're always looking for inventive ways to keep the brand cool and relevant with our audience," said Vinay Sharma, senior brand manager, Capri Sun. "This promotion brings together Capri Sun, which has always stood for active fun, and the unique active gaming style of Wii. The partnership is fun and engaging for kids as it encourages physical activity, and we're thrilled to be part of this unique initiative."

"Working with Kraft and Ogilvy on the Capri Sun partnership provides Ubisoft with an opportunity to showcase the quirkiness of the Raving Rabbids and the entertaining gameplay of the new title," said Tony Key, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ubisoft.

Ogilvy's Digital Innovation Lab began working on the gaming concept over a year ago and selected the Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party game based on research of the gaming market and the target audience. Although research showed that 98% of boys and 84% of girls within the Capri Sun target audience play video games, the agency focused on the Wii system since it requires kids to be mobile and active, something Capri Sun has always reflected.

"We see gaming as an opportunity for brands to create meaningful brand engagements," said Maria Mandel, executive director of Ogilvy's Digital Innovation Lab in New York. "When you can build an entire 360-degree effort and include new marketing platforms such as active gaming, you have a richer and more meaningful way to build the relationship."

Promotion maximizes the fun

To maximize the partnership with the Raving Rabbids brand, Capri Sun is featuring the game and its characters in all promotional elements. In addition, Ubisoft has developed an online exclusive game called "Rabbid Droppings" on the RespectThePouch.com website. The website also includes a sweepstakes that offers consumers a chance to win one of four ultimate gaming system packages, including a 46" HDTV, Home Theater System, a Wii system, three Wii Remotes(TM), a Wii Balance Board(TM) accessory and one Rayman Raving Rabbids game.

Two of the mini-games integrate Capri Sun within the story and gameplay. Three new Rabbid characters, each tied to one of the three Capri Sun varieties, were created exclusively for the marketing campaign and integration in the Wii version of Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party game.

About Capri Sun

Capri Sun is the number-one ready-to-drink kids' beverage. The line, all available in cool silver pouches, includes Capri Sun juice drink, Capri Sun Roarin' Waters beverage and Capri Sun 100% Juice. All three sublines fall under Kraft's Sensible Solutions platform and are sold across the US in a wide range of great-tasting flavors. To learn more about Capri Sun, go to www.caprisun.com.

About Ogilvy NorthAmerica

Ogilvy North America (www.ogilvy.com), is the largest unit of The Ogilvy Group agency network, a subsidiary of WPP Group plc (Nasdaq: WPPGY). It has offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Detroit, Durham, Minneapolis, Denver, and throughout Canada. Ogilvy North America brings together all the capabilities of the Ogilvy network to provide integrated marketing solutions to the agency's clients. It encompasses Ogilvy & Mather Advertising, OgilvyEntertainment, OgilvyOne, OgilvyInteractive, Neo@Ogilvy, Ogilvy Healthworld, Ogilvy Public Relations and OgilvyAction.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has teams in 28 countries and distributes games in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2007-08 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of 928 million euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

Capri Sun and the Capri Sun pouch are a trademark of the Deutsche SiSi-Werke GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG.

(C) 2008 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Rayman, Rayman Raving Rabbids, the character of Rayman, Ubisoft, Ubi.com, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo. (C) 2006 Nintendo.

Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party will be hitting the Wii and Nintendo DS on November 21st.

After suffering through the rather mundane Wii-mote waggling "party" game pictured — it involved four Rabbids in a whack-duel to the death armed with toilet plungers — we plopped down on the balance board, controllers in hand.

The butt steering mechanics worked pretty well, as we slalomed down a slight grade, leaning left and right to steer our livestock, occasionally jumping off ramps to pull off cattle tricks. These were simply two-handed jerks of the remote and nunchuk. It was good for a laugh.

And if that's all you need from your Wii software, the next Rayman Raving Rabbids entry will probably fit the bill. The balance board isn't required, but will probably help make the fifty-ish mini-games feel that much more varied.

The concept of yet another mini-game collection being hastily brought to the Wii may not light a fire under you, but at least Ubisoft is putting some effort into Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party's presentation. The television theme is well implemented via micro-games within mini-games based on commercial breaks. Wii waggling in short bursts with friends and family, should that be up your alley, looks to be well represented here.

And we'll leave it at that.

I don't think anyone will disagree with me when I say that Ubisoft's Raving Rabbids Trailers are always a pleasure to watch. These new Olympic themed trailers for Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party definitely take the cake. Videos after the jump.

Can't get enough Raving Rabbids? Well you're not alone, Ubisoft is crazy for their crazy hares as well.

Today the company announced a new Raving Rabbids title is coming to the DS and Wii this holiday season and that the Wii version will support the Balance Board.

"The Rayman Raving Rabbids titles have been an immense success, entertaining the world over,” said Yves Guillemot, president and chief executive officer, Ubisoft. "The inclusion of the Wii Balance Board into the game was a huge source of inspiration for our development team and I guarantee you will see the Wii Balance Board used in ways that will be surprisingly unexpected!”

It sounds like the game will be like the other Raving Rabbids but this time getting players to do evil things to cows with the balance board... not that there's anything wrong with that.

Hit the jump for the full release and screens.

UBISOFT ANNOUNCES NEW TITLE – RAYMAN RAVING RABBIDS® TV PARTY

Featuring "Unique” and Humorous Use of the Wii Balance Board(TM)

SAN FRANCISCO – May 28, 2008 – Today Ubisoft announced that Rayman Raving Rabbids(TM) TV Party will launch for the Wii(TM) system and Nintendo DS(TM) system this holiday season.

Following the tradition of Rayman Raving Rabbids titles showcasing fun and innovative use of the Wii controllers, Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party will feature the Wii Balance Board(TM) accessory. The Rabbids plan to invade televisions worldwide, providing players with a variety of games and comedic exploits spoofing TV shows, pop culture and even advertisements.

"The Rayman Raving Rabbids titles have been an immense success, entertaining the world over,” said Yves Guillemot, president and chief executive officer, Ubisoft. "The inclusion of the Wii Balance Board into the game was a huge source of inspiration for our development team and I guarantee you will see the Wii Balance Board used in ways that will be surprisingly unexpected!”

To date, the Rayman titles have sold more than 22 million units worldwide with their unique ability to reach all ages and demographics through their family friendly, innovative game play mechanics.

Further details about Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party will be unveiled at E3 2008, but in the meantime, please feel free to visit www.raymanzone.com.

About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide and has grown considerably through a strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 24 countries and sales in more than 55 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge video game titles to consumers. For the 2007-08 fiscal year Ubisoft forecasts generated sales of 920 million Euros. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.