LPWire: Sony Online Entertainment's Platform Publishing Label Bringing Disney's 'Toontown Online' to Retail This Fall

"Platform Publishing is working with Disney Online to make Toontown available in the places where families usually shop," said John Needham, chief financial officer and senior vice president of business development, Sony Online Entertainment. "Toontown is a breakthrough game that has introduced MMOs to the online family audience. Now we will be introducing the game to a whole new audience who may not have downloaded it in the past. Additionally, we will begin working with Disney on the potential to create Toontown versions for online-enabled game consoles."

"This is a great opportunity for us to partner with Sony Online Entertainment, a leader in the retail MMO space," stated Steve Parkis, vice president of premium products, Disney Online. "We feel that our trusted brand and unique game offering that appeals to the entire family is a natural fit for the retail marketplace. And as the connected console marketplace develops, we want to be among the first MMO family titles made available."

Team up with thousands of players for fun gags and exciting games in "Disney's Toontown Online." "Disney's Toontown Online" (www.toontown.com) is an award-winning multiplayer online game filled with non-stop play, ever- changing adventure and irreverent fun. Players create their own cartoon characters (Toons) and join forces to save the world from the Cogs, humorless business robots who are attempting to turn the colorful, happy world of Toontown into a dark metropolis of corporate monotony. It's always growing, always changing and a wild world of cartoon adventures.

The PC retail version of "Disney's Toontown Online" will come with CD-Rom, game manual and a Cog poster in the box, along with access to a bonus in-game item.

"Toontown" has been designed primarily for children ages 8 to 12, but is enjoyed by kids of all ages. Player feedback reveals that many families are playing the game together, with parents enjoying the game as much as their children. Unique in the game industry, players are evenly split between boys and girls. "Toontown" has received multiple awards, including Computer Gaming World's MMORPG of the Year in 2003, a 2003 Parent's Choice award, and the 2005 WiredKids Safe Gaming Award.

"Toontown Online" is rated E for Everyone (cartoon violence and mischief) by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, and carries a monthly subscription fee of $9.95.

-- Posted August 25, 2005