Nickelodeon Extends Partnership With Activision Publishing, Inc.; Publisher Signs On As Master Video Game Licensee For Popular Nicktoon "SpongeBob SquarePants"

Nickelodeon, one of the world's leading recognized entertainment brands for kids and families, and Activision Publishing, Inc., a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products, have today (Thursday 25th July 2013) announced in the following press release, from PRNewswire, the exciting Nickelodeon News of a new global, multi-year agreement to develop and publish video games featuring pop culture phenomenon "SpongeBob SquarePants"!

The first game to be published in the new partnership will be "SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge", an all-new action-adventure video game set to be released on Tuesday 22nd October 2013 for the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii and Wii U systems, and the Nintendo DS and 3DS handheld systems.

The brand new SBSP video game "SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge" is a third-person, co-op gaming adventure, developed by Behaviour Interactive, which combines exploration, adventure and puzzle-solving. In this original story, Sheldon J. Plankton – known for his obsession with stealing the Krusty Krab's secret formula – and his new legion of evil robots have destroyed the Krusty Krab and stolen the safe that houses the world famous Krabby Patty formula. Fans can choose to play as SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy or Mr. Krabs as they try to locate the hidden keys to the safe before the Krabby Patty formula is lost forever.

UPDATE: Watch a online streaming video of Nickelodeon & Activision's "SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge" trailer and/or download the promo here at https://www.hightail.com/download/bWJyNnFHSytTRTY1aWNUQw



The Nick News comes after Nickelodeon partnered with Activision Publishing, Inc. for a worldwide, multi-year deal to develop and publish video games inspired by the new Nick's new CGI-animated "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" series. As part of the partnership, Activision will release their first Nick TMNT video game, a downloadable title called "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows", in August 2013, and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - The Video Game" in October 2013.

It is currently unknown whether Activision will publish a brand new SpongeBob SquarePants video game based on Nickelodeon Movies and Paramount Pictures' upcoming brand new "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie 2" movie, which will be a sequel to 2004's "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie", that is expected to be released in movie theater's in the USA in late (Fall (Autumn)/Winter) 2014.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Nickelodeon Extends Partnership With Activision Publishing, Inc.; Publisher Signs On As Master Video Game Licensee For SpongeBob SquarePants

Global, Multi-Year Agreement Includes Fall Release of Brand-New Title, SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge

NEW YORK, July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon and Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (Nasdaq: ATVI), today announced a new global, multi-year agreement to develop and publish video games featuring pop culture phenomenon SpongeBob SquarePants. The first game to be published in the new partnership will be SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge, an all-new action-adventure video game set to be released on Oct. 22 for the Xbox 360® games and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Nintendo Wii™ and Wii U™ systems, and the Nintendo DS™ and 3DS™ handheld systems.

([Download Image -] Photo [of the Front Cover Artwork for "SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge"]: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130725/NY53355 )

"We are excited to expand our relationship with Activision for brand new SpongeBob video games," said Sherice Torres, Senior Vice President of Entertainment Products, Nickelodeon Consumer Products. "Plankton's Robotic Revenge captures the fun and excitement of SpongeBob and his pals, and gives fans a new way to experience the under the sea adventures of Bikini Bottom and its citizens."

SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge is a third-person, co-op gaming adventure, developed by Behaviour Interactive, which combines exploration, adventure and puzzle-solving. In this original story, Sheldon J. Plankton – known for his obsession with stealing the Krusty Krab's secret formula – and his new legion of evil robots have destroyed the Krusty Krab and stolen the safe that houses the famous Krabby Patty formula. Fans can choose to play as SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Sandy or Mr. Krabs as they try to locate the hidden keys to the safe before the Krabby Patty formula is lost forever.

Since its launch in July 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has become one of the most beloved animated characters in TV history, and a global pop culture phenomenon. In its 14th year, the series continues to rank as the number-one animated series with kids 2-11 on all of television, as well as one of the most 'liked' animated series on Facebook, with more than 81 million fans. Over the past several years, SpongeBob has averaged more than 100 million total viewers every quarter across all Nickelodeon networks. SpongeBob SquarePants is executive produced by creator Stephen Hillenburg, who previously worked as a writer, director and creative director on Nickelodeon's animated series [Nicktoon] Rocko's Modern Life. Paul Tibbitt served as a director and writer on SpongeBob SquarePants for its first three seasons and is currently executive producer.

About Nickelodeon

Nickelodeon, now in its 34th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 18 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, mainland China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing's expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release date are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing's actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc. Nintendo trademarks and copyrights are properties of Nintendo. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nick.com.

"Lost" Star Josh Holloway Guest Stars In Brand-New Episode Of "Yo Gabba Gabba!", Premiering Saturday 27th July 2013 On Nick Jr. USA!

Nickelodeon has announced in the following press release, from TVbytheNumbers, the exciting Nick News that Nickelodeon USA's preschool channel, Nick Jr. USA, will premiere and show a brand new episode of Nick Junior's popular critically-acclaimed award-winning preschool show "Yo Gabba Gabba!", called "Farm", which will guest star the American actor and model Josh Holloway, best known for his role as James "Sawyer" Ford on the American mystery television series "Lost", on Saturday 27th July 2013 at 8:30 a.m. (ET/PT) during a special Gabba marathon from 7-9 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nick Jr.!

In "Farm," DJ Lance and his Gabba friends visit Farmer Josh (Holloway) who teaches them about farm animals, growing vegetables, living on a farm, and having a good old-fashioned hoedown! The episode features musical guests Dr. Dog performing "When You're A Gardener", and The High Llamas performing the animated jingle, "Living On A Farm". "Yo Gabba Gabba!" is created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz and is produced by The Magic Store and DHX Media.

Original Nickelodeon Press Release:

Josh Holloway Guest Stars in New 'Yo Gabba Gabba!' Premiering this Saturday on Nick Jr.

Josh Holloway (Lost) guest stars in a brand-new episode of the critically acclaimed preschool series, Yo Gabba Gabba! on Saturday, July 27, at 8:30 a.m. (ET/PT) during a Gabba marathon from 7-9 a.m. (ET/PT) on Nick Jr. In “Farm,” DJ Lance and his Gabba friends visit Farmer Josh (Holloway) who teaches them about farm animals, growing vegetables, living on a farm, and having a good old-fashioned hoedown! The episode features musical guests Dr. Dog performing “When You’re A Gardener,” and The High Llamas performing the animated jingle, “Living On A Farm.” Yo Gabba Gabba! is created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz and is produced by The Magic Store and DHX Media.

Tags: Yo Gabba Gabba Ratings

Nickelodeon Star Carlos Pena, Jr. Confirms That "Big Time Dreams" Will Be Final Ever Episode Of "Big Time Rush"

Carlos Pena, Jr., who portrays Carlos Garcia in the popular Nick show, has today (Wednesday 24th July 2013) confirmed in a Vine personnel video clip the Nick Star recorded on his way back from the gym, which the musician posted on his official Twitter profile page, @TheCarlosPena, which you can watch here, that the brand new one-hour season four finale episode of their hit original musical comedy series "Big Time Rush", called "Big Time Dreams", which Nick USA will premiere and show on Thursday 25th July 2013 at 8:00 PM ET/PT., will be the series finale episode of "Big Time Rush":

Last episode of BTR.. EVER!! https://vine.co/v/hK0K2Hgvu1g - 24/7/2013

In the all-new episode of "Big Time Rush", called "Big Time Dreams", which is rumored to be the shows final episode, the BTR guys are invited to the 24th annual Tween Choice Awards, where the boy banders are nominated for a award and are booked to close the show.

However, before the foursome can take the stage, they uncover an evil plot to brainwash everyone in the audience. So Big Time Rush have to take down the bad guys and make sure the show rolls on as scheduled. The episode will guest star Austin Mahone as himself, Mindless Behavior as themselves, Nick Cannon ("All That", "The Nick Cannon Show", "Rags", the host of the "TeenNick Halo Awards" and the Chairman of 'TeenNick') as himself, Karmin as themselves, and Alexa Vega as herself. Episode notes: The Tween Choice Awards is a parody of the Teen Choice Awards. The goop that fell on Camille and Jo when they went up to present an award was a parody of the green slime used at the Kids Choice Awards. This is an hour-long TV special which could possibly connected with "Big Time Movie", based on similarities in plots (both contain spy elements and dream plot points).

Click play below to watch an online streaming video clip of Nickelodeon USA's promo/trailer for the brand new Big Time Movie Event, "Big Time Dreams", which promises to be BTR's biggest adventure ever!:



Currently in its fourth season, Nickelodeon's popular live-action original comedy show, "Big Time Rush", ranks as one of the top ten live-action series with kids 2-11, kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14 across all of North American TV. The North American series premiere of "Big Time Rush" on Nickelodeon USA was the highest-rated and most-watched live-action debut among all Nickelodeon series with kids, tweens and total viewers (6.8 million). Also an international breakout hit, "Big Time Rush" ranks within the top 10 programs on Nickelodeon in key markets with key demos, including Germany, Mexico, Italy, Brazil, UK, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, South Africa and Australia, and is seen in over 100 territories and in 20 languages via Nickelodeon channels and syndication.

Nickelodeon's hit Kids' Choice Awards winning original musical series "Big Time Rush" (or "BTR") is an North American television series created by Scott Fellows (Nickelodeon's "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide", Cartoon Network first original show "The Moxy Show", and The WB's "Johnny Test") about the Hollywood misadventures of four hockey players from Minnesota — Kendall, James, Carlos, and Logan, after they are selected to form a boy band. The series premiered with an hour-long pilot episode, "Big Time Audition", on Nickelodeon USA, on November 28, 2009. Its official debut episode premiered on January 18, 2010, earning 6.8 million viewers, making it Nickelodeon's highest-rated live-action series debut ever. Nickelodeon's "Big Time Rush" stars Kendall Schmidt as Kendall Knight, the leader of the band, James Maslow as James Diamond, the handsome one in the band, Carlos Pena, Jr. as Carlos Garcia, the one who always wears his helmet, and Logan Henderson as Logan Mitchell, the smartest one in the band, and co-star's Ciara Bravo as Katie Knight, Kendall's little sister, Stephen Kramer Glickman as Gustavo Rocque, the band's manager, Tanya Chisholm as Kelly Wainwright, Gustavo's assistant, Erin Sanders as Camille Roberts, Logan's girlfriend, and Challen Cates as Jennifer Knight, Kendall and Katie's mother.

Nickelodeon boyband Big Time Rush is currently touring the USA with Nickelodeon Star Victoria Justice ("Zoey 101", "Victorious") in their all-new summer tour called "Summer Break Tour".

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Head To The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort For The LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Weekend This August Bank Holiday!

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, a unique family theme park in Windsor, Berkshire in England, UK that's themed around the icon and world renowned LEGO toy system, has announced the fantastic news in the following press release that, to celebrate Nickelodeon's new popular "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" animated television series (Nicktoon), the Heroes in a Half Shell - Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael and Michelangelo - will be taking a very well earned short break from fighting crime to visit LEGOLAND Windsor Resort for a special LEGO® Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Weekend this August Bank Holiday! Booyakasha!

Over Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th and (Bank Holiday) Monday 26th August 2013, families can join in with ninja training, take part in a special TMNT treasure hunt,, watch awesome skateboard demonstrations, and even take part in the build of four giant LEGO mosaics of the heroes in a half-shell!

Kids will also be able to meet and greet special Turtles guests, plus collect or swap a brand new selection of special edition LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pop badges, and don't forget the 55 family friendly rides and attractions also on offer. Cool down in the new wet play area DUPLO Valley plus enjoy favourites like The Dragon rollercoaster, Atlantis Submarine Voyage and the famous LEGOLAND Driving School!

Original LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Press Release:

Head to the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort for LEGO® Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Weekend August, 23 – 26

It's the LEGO® Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Weekend at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort from August 23 – 26. To celebrate the popular Nickelodeon TV programme, families can join in with ninja training, hunt for Turtles treasure, watch awesome skateboard demos and even take part in the build of four giant LEGO mosaics of the heroes in a half-shell.

"We are delighted to have the Turtles at LEGOLAND this August bank holiday" commented Paul Harvey, Sales & Marketing Director for the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort. “Kids love it and parents remember it from their own childhoods, so there will be fun for the whole family to join in with - it's perfect for LEGOLAND”.

Kids can meet special Turtles guests, plus collect or swap a new selection of special edition LEGO Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pop badges, and don’t forget the 55 family friendly rides and attractions also on offer. Cool down in the new wet play area DUPLO® Valley plus enjoy favourites like The Dragon rollercoaster, Atlantis Submarine Voyage and the famous LEGOLAND Driving School.

Back on UK television screens and funnier and "ninja-ier" than ever before, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is based on four mutant turtles – Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo. Trained in the art of ninjutsu by their mutant rat sensei, Master Splinter they battle evil from the New York City sewers. Tune in to Nicktoons every day from 4pm to catch the half-shell heroes.

GETTING THERE

Park ticket prices

In advance online, from £34.20 for adults, £29.25 for children (free for under three’s) and from £123.60 for families (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children)
Book here: www.legoland.co.uk/en/Book/

LEGO themed LEGOLAND Hotel prices

Themed family (2 adults/ up to 3 children) rooms available from £247 low season or £337 high season

Hotel price includes breakfast and Park tickets for two days plus early bird access to selected rides the Park
Book here: www.legoland.co.uk/hotel/shortbreak/

[...]

[About LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort]

The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park where children aged 2-12 can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety. It has over 55 interactive rides, attractions, live shows, building workshops and driving schools, not to mention a staggering 80 million LEGO® bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland.

The LEGOLAND Windsor Resort opens from 16 March – 4 November 2013. It is closed on selected midweek days in May, September, October and November. For further details please check www.LEGOLAND.co.uk

There are five other LEGOLAND® parks in the world – LEGOLAND® Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND® California in the U.S.A, LEGOLAND® Florida, LEGOLAND® Deutschland in Germany and the recently opened LEGOLAND® Malaysia.

[About Merlin Entertainments]

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS is the leading name in location-based, family entertainment, and has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. Europe's Number 1 and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates 98 attractions, eight hotels/two holiday villages in 22 countries and across four continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 54 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and more than 21,000 employees.

Among Merlin's attractions are - SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The EDF Energy London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers Resort, Warwick Castle, THORPE PARK, Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Blackpool Tower, Heide Park, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Sydney Tower Eye and SKYWALK, Siam Ocean World and Busan Aquarium. All brands which are distinctive, challenging and innovative – and which have great potential for growth in the future. Visit www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

[About Nicktoons]

To find out more about Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV programme, visit nicktoons.co.uk/turtles or watch Turtles every day on Nicktoons from 4pm

Launched in 2002 and part of the Nickelodeon network of channels, Nicktoons broadcasts the best in action-packed animation and comedy-crammed cartoons to audiences across the UK and Ireland.

Available in over 13 million homes, Nicktoons features top shows such as T.U.F.F. Puppy, Monsuno, The Penguins of Madagascar and SpongeBob SquarePants. More information is available at nicktoons.co.uk.

Nicktoons is available on Sky 606, Virgin 717 and through BT Vision.

[About Nickelodeon UK]

Nickelodeon UK comprises seven dedicated entertainment channels for kids aged 4-15 and is a joint venture between Viacom International Media and BSkyB Networks. Launched in 1993, the Nickelodeon Network is a top-performing commercial kids TV network in the UK and Ireland with Nickelodeon channels available in over 14 million cable and satellite homes.

Nickelodeon Announces Plans To Premiere Their Brand New CGI-Animated Preschool Series "Paw Patrol" Internationally From Autumn 2013

Nickelodeon has announced the exciting Nickelodeon International News in the networks 'Debut Of Brand New CG-Animated Preschool Series Paw Patrol' press release, that, after Nick USA premieres and shows the first episode of the networks brand new CGI-animated preschool series, "Paw Patrol", on Monday 12th August 2013 at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT), Nickelodeon will launch and start to premiere and show their brand new preschool series on Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels and networks worldwide (Nickelodeon International / Planet Nickelodeon), including on Nick Jr. UK and Ireland, from Autumn/Fall 2013!:

The series will begin airing on Nickelodeon’s international channels in the fall.

"Paw Patrol", a Nickelodeon co-production with Spin Master Entertainment, stars a pack of six heroic rescue pups – Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma and Skye - who are led by a tech-savvy boy named Ryder. Together they work hard to protect the Adventure Bay Community believing, "no job is too big, no pup is too small!" The series features a curriculum that focuses on citizenship, social skills and problem-solving.

You can read Nickelodeon's full "Paw Patrol" series launch press release right here on NickALive!.