Twentieth Century Fox and THQ Wireless announce multi-year license for mobile phone content based on The Simpsons
Fox and THQ announce an agreement granting THQ Wireless rights to develop and distribute The Simpsons entertainment content for mobile phones.
Having just aired its 300th episode on its way to becoming the longest running sitcom in television history, The Simpsons is widely recognised as the world’s most popular family. The television show is ranked amongst the top ten most watched programs throughout the world with a monthly viewing audience of more than three hundred million.
With a seemingly unlimited number of Springfield characters, rich environments and plotlines, The Simpsons is a unique property for global licensed products that spans toys, games, food and beverage, apparel, and a myriad of other goods. “We see wireless as a natural category extension for The Simpsons that will allow fans, old and new, to enjoy the show’s special humour whenever and wherever they choose to,” said Peter Byrne, Fox Executive Vice President of Licensing and Merchandising.
Jim Beddows, Fox Vice President of Wireless Entertainment added: “FOX content is perfect for the wireless space—it’s the right demographic, global and edgy—and The Simpsons epitomises this content. Combined with the global promotional power of News Corporation (FOX’s parent company) and its affiliates, we want to accelerate the growth of wireless services. We are thrilled to partner with THQ on The Simpsons to this end.”
Tim Walsh, THQ Sr. Vice President of International Publishing and Wireless said: “We intend to combine the power of The Simpsons with our unmatched global publishing resources and set a new standard of success in the wireless industry for entertainment properties. We are proud to add The Simpsons to our growing portfolio of premier wireless licenses and look forward to working with FOX on this exciting project.”
The first The Simpsons wireless service is scheduled for release to U.S. consumers in the second half of 2003. The Simpsons wireless content will include a wide variety of cutting-edge entertainment applications including games, graphics and SMS/MMS programs utilising a variety of Simpsons' characters including Bart, Homer and Lisa.
With a seemingly unlimited number of Springfield characters, rich environments and plotlines, The Simpsons is a unique property for global licensed products that spans toys, games, food and beverage, apparel, and a myriad of other goods. “We see wireless as a natural category extension for The Simpsons that will allow fans, old and new, to enjoy the show’s special humour whenever and wherever they choose to,” said Peter Byrne, Fox Executive Vice President of Licensing and Merchandising.
Jim Beddows, Fox Vice President of Wireless Entertainment added: “FOX content is perfect for the wireless space—it’s the right demographic, global and edgy—and The Simpsons epitomises this content. Combined with the global promotional power of News Corporation (FOX’s parent company) and its affiliates, we want to accelerate the growth of wireless services. We are thrilled to partner with THQ on The Simpsons to this end.”
Tim Walsh, THQ Sr. Vice President of International Publishing and Wireless said: “We intend to combine the power of The Simpsons with our unmatched global publishing resources and set a new standard of success in the wireless industry for entertainment properties. We are proud to add The Simpsons to our growing portfolio of premier wireless licenses and look forward to working with FOX on this exciting project.”
The first The Simpsons wireless service is scheduled for release to U.S. consumers in the second half of 2003. The Simpsons wireless content will include a wide variety of cutting-edge entertainment applications including games, graphics and SMS/MMS programs utilising a variety of Simpsons' characters including Bart, Homer and Lisa.