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Realnetworks And Mattel Sign Multiyear Agreement For Casual Games Development


WEBWIRE

RealNetworks®, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNWK), a digital entertainment services company, announced today an agreement with Mattel, Inc. to develop, publish and distribute Scrabble®, UNO® and several Mattel game titles for downloadable PC and online play throughout the world (excluding the U.S. and Canada for Scrabble®).

As the worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing and marketing of toys, Mattel selected Real for its strong casual games development team and distribution channel. Real has developed some of the industry’s most popular casual game titles, including award-winners like Super Collapse and South Park 10: The Game, and develops major brand titles on a global level via its design studios GameHouse and Zylom.

“Consumers are looking for fun, interactive game-play in the online world, and Real’s experience and understanding of the casual gaming market makes them a great choice as our partner as we expand our efforts in this arena,” said Cynthia Neiman, vice president, marketing, Mattel Games. “Together, we are bringing some of the world’s most popular games to a new format, creating an interesting ’twist’ on classic family game-play.”

According to the Casual Games Association, more than 200 million people worldwide play casual games via the Internet — with the casual gaming industry expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2008. With this growing market and demand, there is great opportunity for both Real and Mattel to bring the fun and enjoyment of classic board games online.

“Games like Scrabble and UNO are enjoyed by families all over the world,” said Harold Zeitz, senior vice president of games for Real. “Making these games available online is a natural fit as people begin to look first to the computer for entertainment. Through this partnership, they will find the Mattel classic games they grew up with now on the PC.”

The first game titles of this partnership are expected to come out in mid-2008.



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