Kids
Sony, Disney ink Toontown deal in US
MUMBAI: Sony Online Entertainment’s Platform Publishing and Disney Online in association with Buena Vista Games announced an agreement that is scheduled to bring Disney’s Toontown Online, the first massively multiplayer online (MMO) game designed for kids and families, to retail stores in the US.
The family-friendly online title is priced at $19.99, which includes a two-month subscription to the game service. Additionally, Platform Publishing has secured a license to also create an online version of Toontown specifically for video game consoles.
“Platform Publishing is working with Disney Online to make Toontown available in the places where families usually shop. 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,” said Sony Online Entertainment chief financial officer and senior vice president business development John Needham.
“This is a great opportunity for us to partner with Sony Online Entertainment, a leader in the retail MMO space. 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,” stated Disney Online vice president premium products Steve Parkis.
Disney’s Toontown Online 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.
Kids
Sony YAY! launches ‘House of Masti’ to celebrate 20 years of Shin chan
Comedian Kiku Sharda joins the fun with a special rap track as the mischievous icon returns to Indian TV.
MUMBAI: Shin chan is back and this time, he’s bringing the whole house of masti with him! Sony YAY!, India’s leading kids’ entertainment channel, has unveiled ‘House of Masti’, a specially curated programming block to mark 20 years of the iconic animated series Shin chan on Indian television. The campaign transforms the beloved character’s mischievous world into a fresh, high-energy viewing experience. It features new episodes, fan-favourite moments, and themed programming stunts, all designed to stand out from regular broadcasts.
Adding extra sparkle to the celebration, popular comedian Kiku Sharda has joined the campaign. He anchors the integration with a lively rap track titled ‘Shin chan ka YAY! Dhamaal’, infusing contemporary music and humour into the beloved series.
Sony YAY! business head of kids and animation Ambesh Tiwari said, “Over the past 20 years, Shin chan has built a strong and enduring connection with audiences in India. With ‘House of Masti’, we are celebrating this milestone through a differentiated, campaign-led experience. Kiku Sharda and the rap track add a fun, high-energy layer that will resonate with today’s kids and families.”
Starting 27 April, viewers can enjoy the World Television Premiere of Shin chan along with new episodes and an exciting lineup of blockbuster movies on Sony YAY!.
By blending nostalgia with fresh, engaging content, Sony YAY! is ensuring that the cheeky, laughter-filled adventures of Shin chan continue to entertain and connect with new generations across the country.
In a world full of serious cartoons, Shin chan remains delightfully naughty and with ‘House of Masti’, Sony YAY! is making sure his brand of chaos stays as fresh and fun as ever. Get ready for some serious masti!
