Press release: 2004-01-27: SEGA PARTNERS WITH CARTOON NETWORK AND WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT TO PUBLISH SAMURAI JACK: THE SHADOW OF AKU FOR PLAYSTATION 2, XBOX AND NINTENDO GAMECUBE

This is an unaltered copy of a press release, for use as a primary source on Sega Retro. Please do not edit the contents below. Language: English Original source: Sega.com (archived)

SEGA PARTNERS WITH CARTOON NETWORK AND WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT TO PUBLISH SAMURAI JACK: THE SHADOW OF AKU FOR PLAYSTATION 2, XBOX AND NINTENDO GAMECUBE	

Amaze Entertainment Studio to Develop Console Game Based on Emmy-winning Cartoon Network Series

San Francisco (January 27, 2004) - SEGA® of America, Inc. has announced that Cartoon Network and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have awarded it the license to publish a console game based on the popular Cartoon Network series Samurai Jack. The videogame developed by Amaze Entertainment, named "Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku," will be available on Microsoft Xbox™, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, and Nintendo GameCube™ in March 2004.

Samurai Jack is the highly stylized, Emmy-winning action cartoon from Genndy Tartakovsky, the creator of Dexter's Laboratory and the director of the popular new animated epic micro series, Star Wars: Clone Wars. "Samurai Jack: The Shadow of Aku" was developed for a broad audience by Amaze's Adrenium Games studio. It's a free roaming, easy to control action-adventure that's perfect for fans of the television series who are both casual players and hardcore gamers. Ensuring an authentic Samurai Jack experience, the team worked closely with the show's creator, artists, voice talent and composer. The game portrays all of Jack's signature moves and weaponry as the kinetic action sequences are combined with clever puzzles and engaging item quests.

"Amaze Entertainment has done an excellent job developing Cartoon Network's Samurai Jack into a viable videogame and SEGA of America is proud to establish a relationship with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to publish the title across all platforms," said Hide Irie, President and COO of SEGA of America. "We will continue to pursue strong strategic partnerships to create exciting and marketable software based on dynamic properties."

"Samurai Jack, an epic adventure from one of Cartoon Network's greatest storytellers, Genndy Tartakovsky, is a perfect inspiration for a high-action video game," said John Friend, senior vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises. "We know that SEGA and Amaze Entertainment will bring a new level of excitement to the Samurai Jack property as we introduce interactive games across a number of platforms."

"This console game successfully captures the feel of Samurai Jack and offers compelling and diverse gameplay," said Philippe Erwin, vice president for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. "Our collaboration with SEGA and Amaze has produced an exciting game that will provide fans with a new way to experience the unique world of Samurai Jack and also extend the reach of the Cartoon Network show."

"SEGA of America has an enviable history publishing great character-based video games and expanding the brand awareness of licensed properties in the consumer market," said Dan Elenbaas, CEO of Amaze Entertainment Inc. "A great game and brand like Samurai Jack deserves a strong publisher and SEGA has the strength and vision to make this a successful video game franchise."

Cartoon Network's Samurai Jack tellss the story of a warrior banished to the future by an evil shape-shifting wizard. Samurai Jack must travel the world, encountering an amazing array of cultures and civilizations as he seeks the portal to send him back to his own time. A man of few words, Samurai Jack relies on his mental and physical training as a warrior to help him fend off the evil wizard's forces. The show is highlighted by its magnificent artistry, gripping action sequences and evocative score, giving Samurai Jack a cinematic feel.

Samurai Jack debuted in November 2001. More than 11.5 million viewers tuned in to watch one of multiple plays of the 90-minute premiere the first weekend it aired. Since then, Samurai Jack has established a strong fan base with its distinctive, hard-edged look and its tongue-in-cheek dialogue. An average of more than 2 million viewers tune in for each telecast. Of that audience, more than 13% are adults 18-34, making Samurai Jack one of Cartoon Network's top shows among young adults. Fifty-two half-hour episodes of Samurai Jack have been created.

About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Inc., a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is a premier licensor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and future platforms, including console, MMPOG, PC-based gaming and wireless applications.

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network, currently seen in 85.7 million U.S. homes and 145 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s 24-hour, ad-supported cable service offering the best in animated entertainment. Drawing from the world's largest cartoon library, Cartoon Network showcases unique original ventures such as Codename: Kids Next Door, The Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Ed, Edd n Eddy and other Cartoon Cartoons. Cartoon Network also features Adult Swim, a late night block of animation for grown-ups. Since its launch in 1992, Cartoon Network has remained one of ad-supported cable's highest-rated networks. Cartoon Network's Web site is located at http://CartoonNetwork.com (AOL Keyword: Cartoon Network).

About Amaze
Amaze Entertainment® is one of the world's largest independent developers of interactive entertainment. Through its five unique studios, the company creates high-quality games for virtually every platform -- from popular handheld devices and PCs to today's advanced game consoles. Recognized for creating top-selling titles, Amaze is expert at developing exceptionally fun and exciting games built on the most popular entertainment brands. www.amazeentertainment.com

SAMURAI JACK and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Cartoon Network.