TDK banks on Shrek’s popularity with vid game number three

Having grossed over US$240.6 million at the box office, Shrek has definitely achieved the level of mainstream penetration necessary to drive a major merch push, and TDK Mediactive is tapping into that market power with its third vid game based on the CGI film property. In development for a spring 2002 launch, Shrek for the Game Boy Advance platform is a kart-racing game that’s expected to match or surpass sales results achieved by the first title in the video game franchise. According to The NPD Group, Shrek Fairy Tale FreakDown for GBC has sold 67,000 units since its release in May, translating into US$1.9 million in sales. The second title up to bat, Shrek for Xbox, is slated for a November launch with the new system.

Middle Earth goes high-tech

Helsinki, Finland-based wireless content provider RIOT-E has picked up the license to make cell phone games and activities based on New Line Cinema’s flick trilogy The Lord of the Rings. RIOT-E, which has previously worked on European mobile phone games for Marvel comic book properties

X-Men and Spider-Man, will launch a Wireless Middle Earth entertainment package in the U.S. on September 19. Based on J.R.R. Tolkien environments and lore, the package will include a text-based game, downloadable icons, picture messages, customizable ring tones and community features like quizzes, polls and chats. RIOT-E is in the process of negotiating with U.S. wireless service providers to distribute the content package.