Activision Publishing Signs The Barbie Brand

Activision Publishing announced it has signed a multi-year agreement which grants the company exclusive worldwide distribution rights to new video games on all platforms based on Mattel Barbie brand. The video games are expected to be available at retail stores worldwide this fall.

The first five games Activision will distribute under the terms of the agreement are games based on Mattel Entertainment's upcoming movies, including "The Barbie Diaries" for the PC and Nintendo Game Boy Advance, and "Barbie In The 12 Dancing Princesses" for the Sony PlayStation 2, PC and Nintendo Game Boy Advance. Activision will also distribute titles based on some of Mattel's best-selling video games from past years, including "Barbie Fashion Show," "Barbie and the Magic of Pegasus" and "Barbie Beauty Boutique."

"Barbie is one of the most recognized brands in the world and its video games have sold more than 15 million units to date. Activision is excited to partner with Mattel to expand this classic property to a new generation of consumers," said Dave Oxford, General Manager of Activision Publishing.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Activision to distribute video games based on the wildly popular Barbie entertainment portfolio," said Matt Turetzky, Vice President, Marketing, Mattel. "As industry leaders, both Mattel and Activision are committed to delivering quality products that will further engage girls with the Barbie brand and provide a premier gaming experience."