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Avanquest Software's Nova Development Releases "Barney(TM): Secret of the Rainbow"
CALABASAS, CA, Nov 23, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --
Nova Development, a consumer software unit of leading global
software developer and publisher Avanquest Software (EPA: AVQ), today
announced the release of "Barney(TM): Secret of the Rainbow." The new
title includes interactive games and activities for preschoolers
starring the iconic preschool character Barney from the Emmy-award
winning kids' TV series. This is the first Barney title developed by
Avanquest under license from HIT Entertainment, one of the world's
leading independent children's entertainment producers and rights
owners.
"Through our collaboration with HIT Entertainment, we've created a
unique new title built around one of the world's blockbuster kids'
brands," said Todd Helfstein, president, Nova Development. "There
are more than a dozen interactive learning and entertainment
activities, and the minute kids see Barney on-screen, they start
smiling, laughing, and singing along."
Developed by Avanquest's multi-media studio in France, "Barney:
Secret of the Rainbow" builds early learning skills through a series
of fully animated games and activities. Designed for kids 2-5 years
old, children
point-and-click their way through games, workshops and
missions to learn about numbers, shapes and colors and develop
language, memory and problem solving abilities. As preschoolers
complete each of the 12 activities, they unlock a color of the
rainbow and restore the rainbow.
Adjustable skill levels allow parents to select the appropriate level
for their child. "Barney: Secret of the Rainbow," which is available
as a DVD containing both Mac and PC versions, also promotes
creativity through music, songs and painting and includes coloring
book pages in Barney's Print Workshop.
"We are delighted to be partnering with Nova Development and
Avanquest on developing new Barney software that teaches and
entertains," said Gary Krakower, Senior Vice President, U.S.
Licensing and Live Events, HIT Entertainment. "Kids and their parents
will enjoy this new title that captures the spirit of Barney and
offers high-value new features and engaging activities."
"Barney: Secret of the Rainbow" retails for $19.99 and is available
through most major retailers and online, including through the
company's site at www.novadevelopment.com
About HIT Entertainment
HIT Entertainment, owned by private equity investment group Apax
Partners, is one of the world's leading independent children's
entertainment producers and rights-owners. HIT's portfolio includes
properties, such as Barney(TM), Bob the Builder(TM), Thomas &
Friends(TM), Pingu(TM), Fireman Sam(TM), Angelina Ballerina(TM) and
Rainbow Magic(TM). HIT represents Chapman Entertainment's Fifi and
the Flowertots(TM) and Roary the Racing Car(TM) in North America and
Japan, as well as Wallace & Gromit(TM), Shaun the Sheep(TM), Timmy
Time(TM) and Aardman Classics from Aardman Animations. HIT also acts
as representative for The Wiggles(R) in the UK. Launched in 1989,
HIT's lines of business span television and video production, content
distribution, publishing, consumer products licensing and live events
and has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. HIT
is a part-owner of US-based preschool channel, PBS KIDS Sprout(SM),
and international preschool channel JimJam, (outside of the US, UK and
China). For more information, visit www.hitentertainment.com.
About Nova Development
Based in Southern California and founded in 1984, Nova Development is
a market leader in consumer software for both Windows and Macintosh
platforms. Nova Development is the retail publisher of best-selling
software for desktop publishing, print creativity and many other
purposes, as well as educational titles both for both children and
adults. Nova Development was acquired by Avanquest Software in 2007.
For more information, please visit http://www.novadevelopment.com/
and http://www.avanquest.com.
About Avanquest Software
Avanquest Software (EPA: AVQ) is one of the world's leading software
developers and publishers, with operations on three continents and
marketing through Retail, Corporate, OEM and Direct-to-Consumer
channels. Avanquest's presence in North America, consisting of
Avanquest Software USA and Avanquest North America (which includes
the Nova Development division), places it among the top ten retail
software publishers in the United States. With more than 100 software
titles, the combined companies offer one of the largest and most
diversified product portfolios in the software industry, available at
more than 10,000 North American retail locations, on the Web, and
through OEM partnerships. Additional information is at
http://about.avanquest.com
Media Contact:
Alan Penchansky
The Pen Group
(305) 529-1944
alan@thepengroup.com
SOURCE: Avanquest
mailto:alan@thepengroup.com
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