7th Level and Bandai Partner to Bring the Tamagotchi Virtual Pet Craze to CD-ROM
June 18, 1997 11:00 AM
DALLAS, June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- 7th Level, Inc. SEVL partners with Bandai Digital Entertainment (BDE) to leverage the overwhelming success of the Tamagotchi(TM) virtual pet toy. The relationship will create the definitive Tamagotchi CD-ROM, scheduled for the 1997 holiday season.
Much like the Tickle Me Elmo craze in 1996, Bandai expects demand of the Tamagotchi toy and accessories to intensify through this year's holiday shopping season. Tamagotchi, translated "cute baby egg," has sold more than 12 million units worldwide with new shipments being sold as soon as they arrive at retail. North American sales reached 3.5 million units after its first month of sales ending June 1.
Bob Ezrin, 7th Level CEO said, "We're excited to partner with Bandai, who's known for its preeminence in the toy market as made evident by the success of its Mighty Morphin Power Rangers(TM) and now the popularity of the Tamagotchi virtual pet."
"7th Level is clearly one of the real leaders in developing animated CD-ROMs, and we are fortunate to be working with them on this and future products," said John McGanty, director of the software division at Bandai Digital Entertainment.
Similar to their living counterparts, the virtual pets require food, sleep, playtime, discipline -- even bathroom breaks. Like a parent/child relationship, the Tamagotchi owner must provide for the growth and welfare of his virtual pet. This attention to detail creates the addictive interaction that has made the Tamagotchi an instant hit.
The CD-ROM will have the same compelling qualities as the egg. Additionally, the computer game will feature expanded animation, story line and game options while maintaining the personality and functionality of the toy.
The original toy was introduced in Japan in November 1996 where it became an instant phenomenon with kids and adults. Gene Morra, Bandai America vice president of marketing, said while designed for children 8 years and older the typical Tamagotchi buyer and user is 19 years old.
A second-generation product with additional features and colors, currently in wide distribution in the United States, is expected to extend the marketing cycle for the product, and the CD-ROM should expand its reach and demographic appeal even further.
By leveraging its proprietary TopGun(TM) technology coupled with its innovative Studio 7(TM) production processes, 7th Level creates interactive multimedia products for consumers and integrated technology and production solutions for its strategic partners. The company's award-winning titles include: Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time, G-NOME, HELICOPS(TM), ACE VENTURA(TM) and The Lil' Howie Great Adventure(TM) Series. Coming soon from 7th Level are DOMINION, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Raymond E. Feist's Return to Krondor(TM) and The Gatherer(TM).
Founded in October 1995, Bandai Digital Entertainment Corporation is a new media company dedicated to producing interactive entertainment and educational multimedia products. It is the U.S. subsidiary of Bandai Co., Ltd, of Tokyo, Japan, the makers of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers line of action figures. BDE's U.S. headquarters is based in Cypress, CA.
All trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective owners. SOURCE 7th Level, Inc.
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