D3Publisher Gets Exclusive Worldwide Videogame Publishing Agreement for Coraline

[ENGLISH] D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, together with its parent D3, Inc., today announced a worldwide publishing agreement with the Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group for videogames based on Focus Features and LAIKA Entertainment’s Coraline, the upcoming high-definition stop-motion animated feature – the first to be originally filmed in 3-D. The newest movie from visionary director Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas), Coraline is based on Neil Gaiman’s international best-selling book of the same title. The games are scheduled to be released for console and handheld systems in Q1 2009 to coincide with Focus’ nationwide release of the movie on February 6, 2009.

Coraline (The Game) is a surrealistic adventure game that will enthrall gamers of all ages with its moody atmosphere, engaging narrative and cast of colorful characters. The console products are being developed by Papaya Studios, and the handheld products are being developed by ART.

“The alternative-reality based plot of Coraline translates exceptionally well to an interactive gaming adventure,” said Yoji Takenaka, executive vice president and chief operating officer, North America and Europe, D3P. “We are enjoying working closely with the filmmakers and the team at Universal and Focus Features to authentically portray the film’s unique cast of characters and allow players of all ages to experience not only key environments and moments from the movie, but also elements that go beyond the feature film.”

“Coraline is a fantastically imagined world, filled with quirky characters and unexpected events, said Bill Kispert, VP and General Manager, Interactive, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. “And with just the right blend of humor, adventure, and spookiness, it is the perfect source material for a truly unique adventure game.”

About Coraline (The Movie)
From Henry Selick, visionary director of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and based on Neil Gaiman’s international best-selling book, comes a spectacular high-definition stop-motion animated feature – the first to be originally filmed in 3-D. A young girl (Dakota Fanning) walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life. On the surface, this parallel reality is eerily similar to her real life – only much better. But when this wondrously off-kilter, fantastical adventure turns dangerous, and her counterfeit parents (including Other Mother [Teri Hatcher]) try to keep her forever, Coraline must count on her resourcefulness, determination, and bravery to get back home – and save her family.

About Focus Features
Focus Features (www.filminfocus.com) exists to produce, acquire and distribute original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world that deliver global commercial success. The company’s Oscar-winning films have included Brokeback Mountain, The Pianist, Lost in Translation, The Constant Gardener, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Motorcycle Diaries, and Atonement.

About LAIKA Entertainment
LAIKA, Inc. is an entertainment and media company specializing in animated feature films, television commercials, music videos, broadcast graphics and short films. It is a dynamic community of filmmakers, designers and animators fueled by the vision of its owner and Chairman, NIKE co-founder and Chairman Philip H. Knight. The company, formerly known as Vinton Studios, was re-branded as LAIKA in 2005.

About Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group
Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group (UPDPG) is responsible for global digital product development, production, licensing, distribution, and growth strategy for the extensive catalogue of Universal’s properties across new and emerging digital platforms, including mobile, video game consoles, personal computers, and other portable devices. With a worldwide mandate to help shape the digital future of Universal Pictures, the Group has offices in Universal City, California; London, England; and Tokyo, Japan.

Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group is a unit of Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Universal Pictures. Universal Pictures is a division, and Focus Features is part, of NBC Universal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.

About D3Publisher
D3Publisher, a subsidiary of D3, Inc., is a leading interactive entertainment publisher and distributor for licensed and original titles for personal computers, major console platforms and handheld systems. D3Publisher has operations in the U.S., U.K., and Japan. The company also owns development studio Vicious Cycle Software, Inc., and its technology platform, Vicious Engine. Recent releases have included Dark Sector®, Dead Head Fred®, Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords®, and Ben 10™: Protector of Earth. For more information about D3Publisher, please visit: www.d3publisher.com.

�