Afrika releasing in North America as "National Geographic: Africa"

[Shin-Ra]

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LAUNCHES GAMES DIVISION
Namco Bandai and Sony Computer Entertainment Partner with National Geographic to Publish Family-friendly Games Across Major Gaming Console, Handheld, Online and Mobile Platforms

WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2008)—Ted Prince, chief operating officer of National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and executive vice president of operations for National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), today announced the formation of National Geographic Games (NGG), a division that will publish and develop games across major gaming console, handheld, online and mobile platforms.

NGG will work with premier game publishers and developers to create fun, high-quality games based on National Geographic's core themes and media properties to extend National Geographic's mission of inspiring people to care about the planet and reach a new generation of consumers and families.

NGG is led by a team of industry veterans who will use all of National Geographic's talent, assets and resources from across Mission Programs, Television, Entertainment and Publishing to carve a unique leadership position in the market. Paul Levine, senior vice president, extended platforms group, NGV, and senior vice president, corporate strategy and development, NGGM, will lead the new division as well as NGV's Maps and Mobile businesses. Chris Mate, former Take2 Interactive and Bethesda Softworks executive, with more than 25 years' experience, has joined as vice president and general manager for NGG and will oversee and manage the group's daily global operations.

"The launch of our games division furthers National Geographic Venture's cross-platform strategy of creating and distributing unique consumer experiences and content on multiple platforms and devices," said Prince. "Paul's strong background in cross-platform media, interactive entertainment and business building and development combined with Chris' expertise in the video game industry and product development will ensure that National Geographic Games extends our mission globally and makes the National Geographic brand more meaningful to a broader audience."

NGG also announced it has partnered with Namco Bandai Games America and Sony Computer Entertainment to publish and distribute globally National Geographic-branded titles on major gaming consoles and handheld devices, including the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS handheld, PLAYSTATION 3 and PlayStation Network, PCs and mobile devices such as the iPhone.

"National Geographic Games has brought authenticity to the kind of family gaming we're developing with them," said Andrew Lelchuk, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Namco Bandai Games America Inc. "Our collaboration is enabling us to tailor the content, so we can offer games to our customers that are relevant, entertaining and that bring a unique experience only the National Geographic brand can deliver."

To further celebrate the launch of NGG, National Geographic is introducing "Herod's Lost Tomb," its first game produced in-house, which highlights content from the December 2008 issue of National Geographic magazine as well as its National Geographic Channel feature broadcast on the biblical figure King Herod, architect of the ancient world. The game will be available online in both a flash version for free at nationalgeographic.com/channel and a downloadable game for PC, Mac and iPhone that includes full features and high production content.

"By leveraging National Geographic's leading family brand, core themes and franchises, and its unique content that drives our mission-forward strategy, NGG will create fun games that allow gamers of all ages to experience and explore their world through play," said Levine. "Our global audiences love to play games, and we plan on creating games in-house as well as working with leading global publishers to develop entertaining games that engage those audiences in a relevant way."

National Geographic Games Release Schedule:

November 2008

• "National Geographic — Herod's Lost Tomb"
• Namco Bandai — "National Geographic: Panda"
• Sony — "National Geographic: Africa" [I think this is actually December – Shin-Ra]

December 2008

• National Geographic — "Sudoku Traveler: China"

2009

• National Geographic — "Rain Forests"
• National Geographic — "Greencity"
• National Geographic — "From the Bottom Up"

[toef]

This is a strange game. When I first heard about it, I wanted to play it, but don't think I'd play it enough to warrant buying it. On the other hand, I don't think it'd work as a rental, because it seems like the kind of game I'd randomly play when I feel like wandering around taking pictures of things (that's the point of the game, right?), or to show off to people ("look at the crazy s--- these animals do").

[Proteus]

I wonder if it will be like the National Geographic channel where it seems like they always show animals humping.

That would make it worth the cash, big time!

[Luis_A51]

yeah im not sure what id do with this either
Im intrigued though

[DetroitSportsFan]

Of course it's going to be released here. I bought the import a few months ago.

[Slacksuperstar]

If your tour guide in the game has an australian accent im sold.

[Bageara]

im intrigued too, will definatley give it a chance

[RamiusOO7]

I watched the trailer off the Japan site a long time ago and was disappointed it wasn't coming here, so this is great news

I'm getting bored with the same old games sold here. I know it's all about the $, and it's better to make an NHL/NBA/NFL game or an FPS from a purely $ point of view, but we need more new and original games.

I guess it comes down to what people buy, and unfortunately, people over here will snap up the latest COD/R6/NFL, regardless of how crappy they are or what little improvement they've made, without a second thought. Great new original IP's like LBP the majority will snub. It's too bad, they don't know what they're missing

[gpn]

I'm glad to see this is finally coming out in NA. I was getting concerned it wouldn't.

[BTS11]

I have a friend in the military whom was in Japan for a little bit, and he got a JA version PS3, and actually got Afrika. When he came back to the US, he said he didn't buy it for the game aspect of it at all.... He bought it cause the graphics are so hi-res and clear. Now he leaves it on his TV and uses it to show off when company comes over.. lol

He said the game part of it is just "ok" but it look awesome!

[Gussler]

Originally Posted by BTS11

Now he leaves it on his TV and uses it to show off when company comes over.. lol

Ha, that's pretty clever. I used to do the same thing with the PS3's space sequences while a song plays in the background.

I was so excited for Afrika but yeah... it's a little... well, different, which doesn't mean bad, but to me it seems like it wouldn't make major sales, at least not when it comes out here. I was playing Far Cry 2 and I see animals all the time. I always feel like I'm already playing Afrika lol. I know Afrika is totally different but I don't know. If it was $29.99, then maybe.

[Shin-Ra]

Cute Japanese ad with some children getting as close as they like to Africa's wildlife.

[7eVEn]

I have Afrika is amazing game!

[Sweetstache]

You know, I noticed that this game and Aquanaut's Holiday had an asian version on playasia.com recently - which supported the english language - and was curious if that was some sort of tell tale sign that they would make their way to an NA or UK release.

I'm glad this is happening as I knew that I would ultimately cave in and purchase the import, however I hated the asain title of Hakuna Matata (I'm not sure why... I had the same issue with Siren - I wanted the box to read Blood Curse and not New Translation, call me crazy I suppose)

I do hope National Geographic will pick up the publishing rights to Aquanauts out here also.

[bajor27]

Awesome news, but how is this game coming out in November 2008? It's not out already (unless I completely missed it) and there aren't any tuesdays left in the month

Guess it might be December, but here's hoping it gets released next year, so they'll have to add trophy support

[Goodintentions]

so afrika hasnt released in the states yet ... anyone here have a copy of it and think its worth importing ?? i can get the chinese/english version for the same priceas a game here .. just wondering if its really worht it .. plus does anyone know if it has trophies ??

[Pepelutivruski4]

is this the photo taking game?

my buddy's got this game and it's more fun that i thought it would be.

[Goodintentions]

yes its the safari camera game ..

[fbc]

The game is currently available for $29.99 as an import, with english language.

[Goodintentions]

ordered .. ive been mulling ordering it for weeks now .. at that price i cant say no