TORONTO – Corus Entertainment will launch a new online gaming portal for kids in 2007, the company announced today.
The massive multiplayer online games (MMOGs) initiative, "code-named Constellation" is being developed in partnership with Quebec-based Frima Studio Inc.
“We are extremely excited about this new initiative. MMOGs are among the fastest growing segment in online games and, to date, nothing of this magnitude has been developed for kids in North America,” said John Cassaday, president and CEO, Corus Entertainment. “This venture is central to Corus’ growth strategy to build and promote our core brands on multiple platforms, while providing clients with unique and integrated sponsorship opportunities.”
Turner Networks launched a huge online gaming portal, GameTap, in the U.S. this year but it is not geared specifically for kids, as Corus is planning.
Designed specifically for kids ages 8 to 12 and developed with insights from the YTV Tween Report, Constellation builds on kids’ enthusiasm for games and the opportunity to interact with other kids, says the press release.
Constellation introduces players to a virtual universe that allows them to explore, compete, chat, collect, create and customize characters and play mini-games in a safe online environment. This MMOG offers players limitless and ever-expanding play opportunities and access to a community of like-minded users.
“We are proud to contribute our creativity and know-how to this extraordinary venture,” said Steve Couture, president of Frima Studio Inc. “Our expertise in developing multiplayer online games and our passion for creating compelling original content, combined with Corus’ leadership position in the Kids entertainment space, is the perfect match for this innovative project.”
“By targeting the growing trend for online games and diversifying our web offerings with this new initiative, Corus continues to lead the way, offering imaginative and age-appropriate content, served up in ways that suit today’s tech-savvy kids,“ added Paul Robertson, president, Television, Corus Entertainment
