HASBRO INTERACTIVE AWARDED LICENCE FOR WORLD'S MOST POPULAR VIDEO GAME - TETRIS¨
Hasbro Interactive to Publish PlayStation Game Console and PC Versions of ÒThe Next TetrisÓ
BEVERLY, Mass. (February 23, 1999) Ð. The company announced today it has signed a licensing agreement with The Tetris Company and Blue Planet Software to publish the next generation of Tetris for both PlayStation game console and PC platforms. The Next Tetris offers a brand new twist to the classic Ôclear the linesÕ gameplay, providing fresh graphics, new gameplay variations and compelling multi-player options.
ÒWe are thrilled that Tetris¨ is joining Hasbro InteractiveÕs Ô99 line,Ó said Tom Dusenberry, president of Hasbro Interactive. ÒWith its broad-based appeal and exciting new game play, Tetris will fit in perfectly with our blockbuster action titles Frogger and Centipede.Ó
With more than 50 million copies sold since 1986, Tetris is one of the most successful video games in history. In Hasbro InteractiveÕs The Next Tetris players can choose to play a modern-day twist on the game or play the original Classic Tetris. The object of The Next Tetris is to clear the lines at the bottom of the playfield by arranging the falling blocks to fill in a horizontal line. The game introduces brand-new features like cascades and time trials, as well as fresh new graphics and sound. Also included is a new multi-player ranking system that enables opponents to compete against each other regardless of their skill level, allowing friends and family members of all ages to join in the fun.
ÒWe are very excited to be working with Hasbro Interactive on The Next Tetris,Ó said Henk Rogers, founder and CEO of Blue Planet Software, Inc. ÒWeÕve been looking for a major partner to help us grow the Tetris brand for the future, and Hasbro InteractiveÕs expertise in brand-building and reputation as a high-quality game publisher is a winning combination for us.Ó
Hasbro InteractiveÕs The Next Tetris for the PlayStation game console is shipping in June, with a PC version to follow in the fall. The Next Tetris is designed and developed by Blue Planet Software, Inc.
For more information, visit the Hasbro Interactive Web site at www.hasbro-interactive.com and www.tetris.com.
Hasbro Interactive, Inc. is a global interactive entertainment industry leader, innovating new ways to play and developing, publishing and distributing the highest quality interactive games, toys and lifestyle products for a full range of genres and platforms. Its premier brands include Hasbro Interactive ChildrenÕs and Family Entertainment, Atari¨, MicroProse¨, Avalon Hill¨, Hasbro Sports and Europress. Among the many award-winning titles published by Hasbro Interactive are: Frogger¨, Monopoly¨, Wheel of Fortune¨, Jeopardy¨, Tonka¨ Construction, Tonka¨ Workshop, Risk¨, Roller Coaster Tycoon¨, MechWarrior 3¨ and Falcon 4.0¨. A subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE: HAS), Hasbro Interactive has offices in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and Germany and internal development studios in the U.S. and U.K. For further information, visit Hasbro InteractiveÕs Web site at http://www.hasbro-interactive.com.
Blue Planet Software, Inc. is a computer game designer and developer engaged in the creation of first-class intellectual properties targeted at a mass-market, mainstream audience. A major part of its activity centers around the long-term strategic management of the Tetris brand, for which it acts as sole agent. Blue Planet was formed in 1996 and is based in San Francisco.
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