Verizon Wireless on board to distribute Cartoon Network-branded games

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Verizon Wireless on board to distribute Cartoon Network-branded games


By Matt Kapko
Story posted: December 12, 2007 - 5:59 am EDT


Cartoon Network has inked a partnership with Smashing Ideas to develop and distribute a variety of Cartoon Network-branded mobile games, animated screensavers and wallpapers. Verizon Wireless is the first operator on board to carry the catalog, beginning today.

Smashing Ideas will distribute the Cartoon Network content across the continent through carriers supporting Flash Lite technology. A games channel consisting of two games, “Codename: Kids Next Door” and “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,” has been launched via Smashing Idea’s BREW application.

“Our games channel extends the type of immersive gaming experience our fans expect from Cartoon Network onto the mobile platform, and serves as a launching pad for groundbreaking original titles,” said Ross Cox, senior director of advanced platforms at Cartoon Network New Media.

In what Cox described as the “first of its kind in mobile gaming,” the two partners will continue to develop other games and content based on popular properties from the Turner Broadcasting System Inc. division. “Ben 10” was mentioned as one such property that’s already in development.

“This isn’t just another recycled Web game—our content is designed specifically for mobile devices and the way people play,” said Brian Burke, general manager of content at Smashing Ideas.

In “Codename: Kids Next Door—Flight of the Hamsters,” gamers will be asked to help hamsters take to the skies for some daredevil fun, and in “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends—Mac’s Match-up,” players will score points with colorful combos in a puzzle.

Verizon Wireless customers will be able to demo each game before purchase. Get It Now customers can purchase and downloads games for $3.49 for one-time use, $7.99 for three uses and $9.99 for five uses.