or


[07/19/06 - 12:00 AM]
Cartoon Network to Develop Massively Multiplayer Online Game with Grigon Entertainment

[via press release from Cartoon Network]

Cartoon Network to Develop Massively Multiplayer Online Game with Grigon Entertainment

First Partnership Between U.S. Entertainment Company and a Korean Game Developer

Cartoon Network announced today that it is developing its first massively multi-player online game (MMOG) in an unprecedented partnership with a leading MMOG developer, Seoul-based Grigon Entertainment. Cartoon Network New Media, already a leader in online entertainment and gaming, will debut the game in the United States. This is the first-ever partnership between a U.S. entertainment company and a Korean developer to create an MMOG for the global marketplace.

The Cartoon Network MMOG will launch in spring 2008 and target the growing and sophisticated kids� interactive gaming market. The game will be free to download, with subscription and micro-transactions available to players to enhance the gaming experience. New areas for exploration and play are planned and will be added regularly over a span of several years. The game brings Cartoon Network�s beloved characters and sensibility to the fast-growing online gaming realm with an �East-meets-West� creative approach. Grigon Entertainment is best known for successfully developing and launching several online games in Asia, including Seal Online, a light-hearted role-playing game (RPG) that took the online gaming world by surprise. Localized versions are available in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Indonesia and Thailand.

�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 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.�

Massively multiplayer online gaming has expanded in the United States in recent years, with games like World of Warcraft and EverQuest achieving large and loyal followings. Most MMOGs have been driven by high-intensity fighting and action with fantasy elements and have attracted an older, adult audience. To date, few games have targeted younger audiences. In Asia and Europe, where broadband penetration is ahead of that in the United States, MMOGs have been developed for all audiences, from kids to teens and adults.

Cartoon Network�s games will feature a persistent and expanding world, which will allow players to develop their own characters, attributes and possessions over the course of many months and even years. Players may also meet and interact with other players online, forming virtual friendships and communities. Cartoon Network�s MMOG will be compliant with the Children�s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) and will offer a safe gaming environment for players. About Grigon Entertainment

Grigon Entertainment, one of the most prominent developers in Korea, the world�s online game leader, is renowned for its depth of tradition and talent, and strongly believes and practices the ultimate goal of �Games have to be fun!� Along with the successful launch of Seal Online, which caused sensations in six countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Korea, Grigon Entertainment has developed numerous titles for over eight years varying in all areas of genre (horror, racing, adventure, action, RPG) up to the charming fairytale-based QRing and casual tennis game, Gamebledon. Grigon Entertainment�s titles are highly rated and respected for their technical and design ingenuity, brilliantly incorporating the developers� wit into the game, hence leading to the creation of �Grigon manias.�

About Cartoon Network New Media

Cartoon Network New Media is responsible for the production of Cartoon Network�s popular Web sites, which include CartoonNetwork.com, AdultSwim.com (supporting the late-night sister network of programming for adults), TickleU.com (supporting programming for our youngest viewers), and CartoonNetworkYa.com (the Spanish-language site for kids). CartoonNetwork.com is one of the most popular entertainment sites in the world for kids, attracting millions of unique users each week. Its top attraction is its roster of games, which drew more than 2 billion game plays in 2005. Other key features include in-depth show information, schedules, shopping and an online community.

In addition, Cartoon Network New Media is the creative force behind Cartoon Network�s video-on-demand offerings, interactive TV and mobile offerings, which include partnerships with major carriers like Sprint, Cingular and Verizon.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 89 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) Sunday-Thursday, 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.





  [july 2006]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
      


· SHOWATCH
(series past and present)
· DEVWATCH
(series in development)
· MOVIEWATCH
(tv movies and mini-series)





[01/30/26 - 01:01 PM]
Lifetime Sets Seven All-New Thrillers Premiering Saturdays, Beginning Valentine's Day Featuring All Star Casts
Kicking off on Valentine's Day and based on a true story, is "The Dating App Killer: The Monica White Story" executive produced and directed by Elisabeth Rohm and starring NAACP Image Award winner Lela Rochon and Jarod Joseph.

[01/30/26 - 11:06 AM]
Top-Tier Pastry Chefs from Across the Country Battle for Elite Title in "The Ultimate Baking Championship" on Food Network
In each episode, host Jesse Palmer tests the competitors on the core techniques that outstanding pastry chefs must master, from laminated dough and pâte à choux to chocolate work and sugar artistry.

[01/30/26 - 10:12 AM]
Prime Video's "God of War" from Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios Announces Three New Cast Members
Alastair Duncan, Jeff Gulka, and Danny Woodburn are among the latest additions.

[01/30/26 - 10:11 AM]
HBO Renews Original Late-Night Comedy Series "It's Florida, Man." for a Third Season
From Rough House Pictures, this outrageous late-night comedy series brings to life unbelievable ripped-from-the-headlines tales of the Sunshine State - straight from the people who live there.

[01/30/26 - 10:11 AM]
"20/20" Ranks No. 1 in the Two-Hour Time Period Across the Board Versus CBS and NBC
"20/20" posted across-the-board gains week to week: Total Viewers, Adults 25-54 and Adults 18-49, hitting 9-week highs in both key Adult demos.

[01/30/26 - 10:03 AM]
Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Potomac" Three-Part Reunion Begins Sunday, Feb. 15 at 8 P.M. ET/PT
Host Andy Cohen sits down with Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, Stacey Rusch, Keiarna Stewart, Tia Glover, Angel Massie and friends Monique Samuels and Jassi Rideaux to discuss the biggest moments of their milestone season 10.

[01/30/26 - 07:01 AM]
Apple's Neo-Noir Detective Story "Sugar" Set to Return for Season Two on June 19
The eight-episode second season of "Sugar" will make its global return on Friday, June 19 on Apple TV with one episode, followed by one new episode weekly, every Friday through August 7.

[01/30/26 - 06:20 AM]
ABC News' "Nightline" Ranks No. 1 in Total Viewers
"Nightline" was also up year to year in Total Viewers for the week of January 19.

[01/30/26 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "In the Mud" Season 2 - Official Trailer - Netflix
Five female prisoners forge a unique bond after a deadly accident... until corruption and turf wars within a ruthless prison threaten to destroy them.

[01/30/26 - 12:16 AM]
The Danish Crime Series "The Asset" Returns for a Second Season
The second season brings back returning cast members Clara Dessau, Maria Cordsen, Afshin Firouzi, and Nicolas Bro, among others, who will encounter their greatest challenges yet in the fight for survival and justice.

[01/30/26 - 12:01 AM]
Video: "The Museum of Innocence" - Official Trailer - Netflix
In 1970s Istanbul, a man's forbidden love for a shop-girl evolves into a lifelong journey of obsession and longing. Based on Orhan Pamuk's iconic novel.

[01/29/26 - 07:02 PM]
NBC Comedy Pilot Orders: "Newlyweds" & "Untitled Lizer, Lynch and Sagal Pilot"
Gail Lerner is behind the former; while Kari Lizer is behind the latter, which stars Jane Lynch and Katey Sagal.

[01/29/26 - 12:56 PM]
"Dirty Rotten Scandals" Premieres Wednesday, March 4 at 9PM ET/PT on E!
This season explores the darker side of some of America's most beloved television shows by delivering untold stories from past participants and new original reporting.

[01/29/26 - 12:19 PM]
Helena Bonham Carter, Steve Coogan, Caleb Jonte Edwards, Marissa Long, Alexander Ludwig, Chris Messina, and AJ Michalka Are Headed to "The White Lotus"
Reservations confirmed.

[01/29/26 - 12:11 PM]
Mandy Patinkin Signs on to Play Odin in Prime Video's "God of War" from Sony Pictures Television and Amazon MGM Studios
Based on PlayStation's massively popular ancient mythology-themed video game, the series has received a two-season order, with pre-production underway in Vancouver, and casting has begun.