Viacom to take games to 'next level'

Nickelodeon parent optimistic of growing share in casual space; Global deal with Take 2’s 2K Play announced

Viacom’s Nickelodeon division has pledged to take its games business to ‘the next level’ this year following a new partnership with Take 2’s casual 2K Play label.

The company has signed a three-year worldwide deal with the publisher – an extension of a current agreement between the two firms – which will see DS, PS2 and Wii titles released across North America, Asia and Europe.

The contract covers four Nickelodeon pre-school properties: Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Wonder Pets, and The Backyardigans.

Arwed-Ralf Grenzbach, VP of video games, music and special products for Nickelodeon and Viacom’s Consumer Products division, told MCV:

“Our relationship with Take 2 is very solid and we have been steadily building upon our partnership since entering into an agreement to licence our pre-school shows in the United States.