Village Gamer

Montreal – Interactive entertainment company Ludia Inc. and Entertainment Rights have announced that Ludia will create video games based on publishing phenomenon and ultimate world traveler, Where’s Waldo?®. Through the exclusive multi-year deal, the pop culture icon will leap from the pages of his best-selling books to engaging new games for consoles, PC/Mac, iPhone and iPod touch—for the first time ever. The first in the game series, “Where’s Waldo?: The Fantastic Journey” is slated to launch across several major platforms later this year.

“Waldo is one of the most recognizable characters in the world, and his adventurous spirit and cross-generational appeal is exactly what will be invoked in this family game series,” said Alex Thabet, Founder and CEO of Ludia Inc. “This deal broadens the Ludia portfolio and is in line with our successful strategy of taking immensely popular brands, translating them into rich interactive entertainment experiences for the whole family, then making them widely available on the platforms of their choice.”

Where’s Waldo? video games will feature all of the treasured scenes and characters from the classic books, brought to life in a unique hidden-object adventure that is intrinsic to the brand. Now, families can JOIN THE SEARCH! with up to four players in several different themed environments, competitive or cooperative game modes, as well as jaw-dropping power-ups and rich rewards systems.

“Our partnership with Ludia marks the next phase of Waldo’s 21st birthday celebration. We are pleased to be working with Ludia to deliver innovative and highly engaging games that will bring the search-and-find experience to life in a spectacular new way,” added Laura Turner Laing, VP, Global Digital Media & Music, Entertainment Rights Plc, which holds the worldwide rights to Where’s Waldo?. “The game will play a key role in the 2009 brand strategy for Waldo, and we are excited to send him on his newest journey.”