Syfy and THQ Team For Kids Block

Syfy and THQ announced that they have entered into a comprehensive strategic alliance through which the companies plan to create new concepts/intellectual property as well as develop some of the world’s premier video game franchises into fully integrated multi-platform properties. The first property in the strategic alliance will be the critically acclaimed de Blob franchise.

The deal with THQ comes as Syfy prepares to launch an aggressive expansion of its brand into the kids space with the unveiling of its Syfy Kids banner. Dedicated to serving the all-important youth market of 2 – 17 year olds, Syfy Kids is being designed to deliver compelling content across multiple platform that enables young consumers to stimulate their imagination with fantastical worlds, stories and characters in the realms of science fiction, fantasy, mystery, paranormal and action/adventure. de Blob will serve as a key foundation for Syfy Kids.

“This deal with THQ is an important foundation in building the Syfy Kids brand and delivering cutting-edge, interactive, story-telling experiences that live beyond the linear television screen. Syfy Kids will bring the wonder and excitement of imagine-based entertainment to a whole new generation of born digital consumers who expect their media on any platform, any place, any time. We want to build transmedia experiences that will excite and involve them and THQ is an extraordinary partner that shares our vision,” said Dave Howe, President, Syfy.

“We are pleased that our owned franchise de Blob has been selected as a foundational character and storyline for Syfy’s new Syfy Kids brand,” said Doug Clemmer, Executive Vice President, THQ Kids, Family and Casual Games. “We look forward to working closely with Syfy to introduce de Blob’s colorful world to a new audience of young adults via webisodes, television and other media, broadening awareness for this loveable hero.”

Danny Bilson, THQ Executive Vice President, Core Games, added, “We are very excited to be working with leading entertainment company Syfy to help build broad awareness for our owned IP’s across all major media. This agreement underscores our ‘transmedia’ strategy, which means that all of our original IP’s are designed to inspire movies, television, toys and other media. By extending our brands to other media, we build huge awareness and momentum for our games.”

One of the most acclaimed video game titles of 2008 and one of the true breakout Wii hits of that year, de Blob presents the adventures of the lovable yet edgy title character who must save the world from an oppressive monochrome future. Taking on the evil I.N.K.T. Corporation who has declared “Color is a Crime!” and leeched Chroma City of all its beauty and interest, it’s up to de Blob and his underdog group of determined Color Revolutionaries, to use their unique abilities to color the world back to life to restore order and free the citizens from a black and white future. Syfy will initially focus its de Blob development efforts on webisodes, television and consumer products. THQ plans to publish new games based on de Blob across multiple gaming platforms in its fiscal year ending March 31, 2011.

The THQ property development strategy will be managed by Alan Seiffert, Senior Vice President Syfy Ventures, Syfy’s portfolio of media and non-media businesses which transcend the television screen and leverages the deep affinity the Syfy audience has with the most main stream and profitable genre world-wide. In addition to the Channel, these businesses include the new Syfy Kids banner, Syfy Games, Syfy Media, and Syfy Gear.

“With Syfy Ventures, we are looking to collaborate with the best companies and creators that push the boundaries of imagination through compelling stories and technology,” said Seiffert. “THQ is in an elite category in the games business with its approach to storytelling. This deal offers us tremendous opportunities to further our connection with our audience and build relationships for our brand with new audiences, such as kids, through the unique way we plan to approach and develop properties with THQ across multiple channels.”