Press Release
SANTA MONICA,
Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI),
announced today that, according to data from the NPD Group,
the Skylanders franchise crossed $500 million in
retail sales in the U.S., inclusive of accessory packs and figures,
and reached this milestone faster than any other kids' gaming
property. Additionally, together Skylanders Giants™
and Skylanders Spyro's Adventure® figures have outsold the
top action figure lines in the toy category in the U.S., outselling
such popular toy lines as Beyblades, WWE and Star Wars.1
Skylanders Giants, the
sequel to Skylanders Spyro's Adventure — the #1
best-selling kids' game of 20112 — generated more than $195
million in U.S. sales, inclusive of accessory packs and figures,
in 2012.3 Additionally, Skylanders Giants eclipsed
domestic box office sales for each of the top holiday kids' feature
films including "Wreck-It Ralph" and "Rise of the
Guardians" in 2012.4
"Just a year ago,
the concept of bringing toys to life in a virtual world was an
untested play pattern that Activision and Toys For Bob believed in.
Now the category has been established in the market and embraced by
parents and kids everywhere," said Joshua Taub, Vice
President, Product Management, Activision Publishing. "We're
humbled by the continued support and acclaim from parents, kids and
critics alike, but more importantly, it's gratifying to see kids
excited about the adventures that await them both in the digital and
physical worlds."
In addition to
achieving critical acclaim, Skylanders Giants was awarded
the National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval, the National
Parenting Publications Awards and the Parent Tested Parent
Approved Seal of Approval, among others. The game was also featured
in coveted "hot holiday gift" lists including the 2012
Toys"R"Us Holiday Hot Toy List, the Toy Insider's "Hot
20 Toys for the Holidays," and Time to Play's "Holiday 2012
Most Wanted List."Skylanders Giants is also nominated in
four categories for the coveted Toy Industry Association"2013
Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards" to be announced on February
9 in New York City, including "E-connected Toy of the
Year," "Boy Toy of the Year," "Property of the
Year," and "Game of The Year."
The franchise is
supported by a robust licensing program that includes more than 120
licensees worldwide in categories including Plush, Apparel, Home
Décor, Bed and Bath, Party Goods, Board Games and Back to School,
among others.
"Even before the
concept was fully formed, we were immediately taken with the charm
and magic behind the Skylanders property and following the
highly successful introduction ofSkylanders Spyro's Adventures, we
knew that Skylanders Giants would be a top-seller in 2012,"
said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Chief
Merchandising Officer, Toys"R"Us, Inc. "We believe
that Skylanders is one of the most innovative and exciting
toy properties to hit the market and are thrilled to continue our
strong support of the brand."
Skylanders Giants is
developed by Toys For Bob, an Activision studio located in Novato,
California. Skylanders Giants is rated Everyone 10+ by the
ESRB. For more information, visitwww.skylanders.com.
Headquartered in Santa
Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a
leading developer, publisher and distributor of interactive
entertainment and leisure products.
Activision maintains
operations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Mexico,
the United
Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the
Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, mainland China and
the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its
products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.
SKYLANDERS GIANTS is a
trademark, and SKYLANDERS SPYRO'S ADVENTURE, and ACTIVISION are
registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc.
1 According to The
NPD Group Data from January through November 2012
2 According to The
NPD Group, Gfk Charttrack, and internal estimates.
3 According to The
NPD Group
4 According
to boxofficemojo.com
No comments:
Post a Comment