Codemasters and Templar Publishing to bring 14 million-selling 'Ology book series to Wii and Nintendo DS
Three book deal will see Dragonology™, Wizardology™ and Pirateology™ come to life as video games for the Wii and Nintendo DS.
Codemasters, a leading creator and publisher of critically acclaimed video games, and The Templar Company PLC, the parent company of Templar Publishing, today announced a worldwide licensing agreement that will see the creation of a series of original video game titles based on Templar's 14 million-selling 'Ology series of books.
The deal will see Templar Publishing's best sellers Dragonology™ , Wizardology™ and Pirateology™ , each a fascinating and entertaining encyclopaedic journal packed with multi-textured content and paper-engineered extras, realised as individual video game titles exclusively for the Wii and Nintendo DS.
Codemasters will publish two editions of each title, one for Wii, with play centred on action gaming, and the other for the Nintendo DS, which will embrace explorative gameplay in the form of an interactive book. Dragonology will be the first title in the series and is expected to launch in the second half of 2008.
"Extending Codemasters' reach in the family entertainment category, this alliance with Templar further demonstrates the continued growth and diversification of our portfolio," said Barry Jafrato, Senior Vice President of Brand, Codemasters.
"With each title based on a popular fantasy theme and delivering a truly content-rich read, Dragonology, Wizardology and Pirateology are major entertainment properties that form a perfect base on which to build original and creative gaming experiences."
"The Ology book brand is a powerful contemporary franchise and we always seek to work with high calibre creative partners," commented Richard Scrivener, Commercial and Operations Director, Templar Publishing.
"Right from the outset, we were impressed by the combination of Codemasters' passion for the product and their global reach."
Dragonology: the Complete book of Dragons , by Dugald A Steer, was first published in 2003, creating a series which has sold over 5.7 million copies worldwide in 32 different languages. In the U.S., where the series is published by Candlewick Press, Dragonology , Wizardology and Pirateology have all been New York Times bestsellers and the 'Ology series was recently noted in the Wall Street Journal as 'a major publishing phenomenon'.For more information on the 'Ology series, please visit http://www.ologyworld.com
Notes to editors:
INTERNATIONAL TITLES
• Dragonology: the Complete book of Dragons is published in the U.K. by Templar Publishing, in the U.S.A. by Candlewick Press, and in Australia by Five Miles Press.
• In France it is published by Milan as Dragonologie– Encyclopédie des Dragons.
• In Germany it is published by Ars as Drachen– Expedition in die geheime Welt der Drachen.
• In Italy it is published by RCS Libri as Dragologia– Il Libro completo dei Draghi.
• In Spain it is published by Montena as Dragones– El Gran Libro de los Dragones.
ABOUT THE 'OLOGY BOOKS
http://www.ologyworld.com
Dragonology
The complete book of dragons purports to be the last remaining copy of a nineteenth-century dragon-keeper's manual, it combines dragon folklore with whimsical and imaginative fantasy. Dragonology provides the student dragonologist with a comprehensive introduction to dragon species, their habitats and behaviours, as well as guidelines for the protection and preservation of these mighty beasts.
Detailed illustrations of dragons, spells in secret pockets and a wealth of tips, anecdotes and information make this a comprehensive introduction to the study of the habits and ways of dragons.
Pirateology
Pirateology is the Sea Journal of Captain William Lubber, the famous Pirate-hunter general from Boston. In Pirateology, Lubber charts his attempt from 1793 to 1796 to hunt downand capture the infamous pirate Arabella Drummond whose treasure he wants to salvage. Inside the book is part of Arabella Drummond's treasure map but a vital piece is missing. However, as the reader delves deeper into the book, the location of the treasure is revealed.
This unforgettable journal of his search across the most dangerous waters of the world is packed with maps, charts, wonderful illustrations of pirate ships and sloops. It details some of the world's most famous pirates including Blackbeard and Edward Teach and shows the areas they terrorised in search of gold and jewels.
Wizardology
Many hundreds of years ago, the great magician Merlin created this elaborate book for his apprentice, containing all his knowledge about the ancient brotherhood of wizards around the world and their many different magical arts.
Covering transformations, conjurations, potions, charms and spells, it is packed with ingenious novelties, including a spinning amulet, a 'phoenix' feather, fortune-telling cards and a real swatch of fairy flag, it's the perfect starting point for budding young magicians. This bejewelled book also contains a hidden secret miniature hardback book of divination.
