Press Release: 1996-07-01: SegaSoft Expands Into Kids Category; Unveils New Trampoline Brand and First Two Titles
From Sega Retro
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This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: SegaSoft (archived) |
Independent software developer forms alliance with Media Station to co-publish children's education/entertainment software titles under new brand REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (July 1, 1996) - SegaSoft, Inc., the independent video game developer, is expanding into the "edutainment" (entertainment and education) software category. The company today announced the creation of a new brand, Trampoline, and the formation of a strategic alliance with software developer Media Station. Both moves are designed to create a foothold for SegaSoft in the growing market segment. New Brand SegaSoft will launch a new brand, Trampoline, which will target children (pre-school to age 12) with an array of products and interactive content tailored to meet their specific needs. "The launch of our Trampoline brand and the alliance we're announcing today with Media Station are more stepping stones in our overall SegaSoft strategy," said Gary Griffiths, Chief Operating Officer. "We are dedicated to creating the best interactive software and content - through acquisitions, alliances and our own development efforts. We are determined to be the premier provider of interactive experiences for consumers of all ages, and Trampoline takes us that much closer to achieving our overall goal." Media Station SegaSoft announced a co-publishing agreement with Media Station, an Ann Arbor, Mich., developer of interactive family entertainment. SegaSoft and Media Station will co-publish two children's titles this year: Puzzle Castle, a puzzle-adventure based on the best-selling "Young Puzzle Books" from Usborne Publishing, and Fractured Fairy TalesTM: The Frog Prince, based on the classic RockyTM and BullwinkleTM & FriendsTM TV cartoon series from Jay Ward Productions, Inc. Sequels of both titles are planned for 1997. "We only partner with the best," said David Gregory, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Media Station. "Media Station has cultivated relationships with world-class leaders in family entertainment and produced chart busting hits, including the Disney Interactive Animated StoryBook series. Now, with SegaSoft, we plan on producing our own hit titles under their Trampoline brand." The "Edutainment" Market According to the Software Publishers Association, the entertainment and home education categories continue to lead the personal computer software market. North American retail sales in the two categories totaled more than $1.22 billion in 1995, compared with $1.02 billion in 1994. Software sales in all categories topped $7.53 billion in 1995, compared with $6.71 billion in 1994. About SegaSoft SegaSoft was founded in 1995 and develops interactive software and content for delivery on all platforms, including PCs, gaming consoles and the Internet. SegaSoft is a joint venture of CSK Corporation and Sega of America, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the $4 billion Sega Enterprises Ltd., a global leader in interactive digital entertainment media. SegaSoft is headquartered in Redwood City, Calif., where it employs 150. About Media Station Media Station is dedicated to creating the finest in animated interactive family entertainment. The company creates popular titles by combining enchanting art and flawless animation with original music scores, captivating storytelling and great gaming. Media Station products are designated to appeal to kids of all ages - parents as well as children ages 3 and up. To accomplish this, the company creates titles based on popular characters with endearing and timeless personalities. Founded in 1989, Media Station is a privately held company with headquarters and studio operations in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a world-class animation studio in Chicago. Contact: Matt Afflixio or Gerard Sandoval Access Communications (415) 904-7070, ext. 278 or 279 [email protected] [email protected]