We heard back in April that Aspyr would be developing a Kaplan SAT prep game, but that collaboration has now developed into a multi-year agreement between the two parties.
The first title, based on SAT prep curriculum, is indeed coming to DS as we heard at the first announcement, but as you can expect from Aspyr, the companies also confirmed PC and Mac versions too, all for the Fall of this year.
It's been just about ten years since I was a high school senior, and I know I took the SATs, but I have no recollection. I still remember the nooks and crannies of the video games I played in 1999, though, so maybe if my SAT prep had been a game, I'd still remember how to multiply fractions or whatever.
Actually, I'm a little surprised that it took this long for a notable game developer to hook up with a test prep company. Seems kind of like a no-brainer, right?
Full announcement follows the jump.
SAT* Prep Enters the Videogaming World
Kaplan and Aspyr Team Up to Create
Dynamic Interactive Entertainment
AUSTIN, TX – April XX, 2008 – High school teens may soon be able to play their way to a higher SAT* score, thanks to a new collaboration between Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions and videogame developer and publisher Aspyr Media.
Kaplan and Aspyr have entered into a multi-year agreement in which Aspyr will bring Kaplan-branded interactive entertainment products to market. The first game under the deal will be an engaging, visually dynamic and unconventional title that is rooted solidly in Kaplan's SAT prep curriculum. The game marks the first ever widely-released SAT prep video game in the market.
"Students learn best when they're engaged with the study content. While a videogame shouldn't be seen as a substitute for a full prep course, it's an innovative and effective way to reinforce preparatory learning," said Anthony Manley, General Manager of Pre-College Programs for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions. "At Kaplan, we seek to adapt our offerings to students' lifestyle needs. In Aspyr, we found a partner with a proven track record of creating engaging, dynamic titles that appeal to today's teens."
"Aspyr has proven over the years that it excels in caring for huge brands and successfully extending those brands to new audiences," said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President for publishing at Aspyr. "We couldn't have asked for a better partner than Kaplan, a trusted, high profile brand and a company that is the undisputed leader in its field. Aspyr will create games under this brand that will truly surprise and excite people with their originality."
Scheduled for release in 2008, the SAT prep game is currently in development at Aspyr Studios and will be published by Aspyr Media for Nintendo DS™, PC and Mac. Additional information on Kaplan branded games from Aspyr will be announced later this year.
Last year, Kaplan introduced interactive SAT* prep programs that can be purchased and downloaded from iTunes®, as well as a unique SAT/ACT Vocabulary-Building Manga (Japanese word for comics and print cartoon) series.
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*SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board, which neither sponsors nor endorses this product.
**iTunes® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions
Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions (www.kaptest.com), a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books and software, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as English language and professional licensing exams. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and college and graduate admissions consulting services.
About Aspyr Media
Aspyr Media, Inc. is a leading video game publisher that creates, packages and delivers fun to millions around the world. Hailing from Austin, Texas USA, Aspyr strives relentlessly to ensure a quality experience for consumers and industry partners.
To fall more deeply in love with Aspyr and its amazing line of products, visit www.aspyr.com and see just how much fun you can legally have.