SEATTLE, Wash. (April 13, 2004) - ESPN and Dwango(r) North America today announced a licensing agreement that will bring distinctive BASS-branded mobile entertainment to anglers and outdoor sports enthusiasts worldwide. In working with Dwango - a leading developer and distributor of entertainment content and applications for next generation mobile phones - ESPN aims to enhance BASS, and its Bassmaster brand, in the mobile entertainment marketplace.
Initially, the two companies will collaborate to launch a subscription-based, network-aware game under the Bassmaster Mobile moniker. Additional products and services will be added to build a more robust Bassmaster Mobile community. Potential future offerings include images, wallpapers, ringtones, video, camera applications, tips from the pros and Short Messaging Service(SMS)/Multimedia Messaging Service(MMS) applications.
"Dwango is delighted to be working with ESPN," said Rick Hennessey, chief executive officer of Dwango North America. "Our team has developed best-of-breed content, and we're looking forward to the launch of the Bassmaster Mobile title as well as to continued collaboration with ESPN in creating compelling mobile entertainment."
Added Manish Jha, senior vice president and general manager, emerging media and data services, ESPN, "ESPN Wireless will serve the BASS member and passionate fishing fans with any-time, any-place access to exciting entertainment, information and community under the Bassmaster brand. We are pleased to offer outdoor enthusiasts and fishing fans yet another exciting way to use technology to enhance their connection with BASS."
The first Bassmaster bass fishing game, Legendary Lunkers, will feature the Cast 'n Wait system, a mobile gameplay breakthrough - which emulates real fishing by surprising the player with a call back when a fish is biting. Whether competing against the top online scores or fishing in the recreational mode, virtual anglers will be challenged by actual Bassmaster tournament locales and real-time weather conditions.
The game is expected to be available late in the second quarter, while further community elements for Bassmaster Mobile will continue to be developed for later release. The two companies will utilize Dwango's infrastructure, carrier relationships and media development to effectively extend the BASS and ESPN brands to fishing fans and mobile phone users. Pre-load agreements with carriers and handset manufacturers will begin in the near term.
About Dwango North America
Dwango North America, develops and publishes wireless applications and technology for users of next-generation mobile devices. Dwango North America has an exclusive North American license for all of Dwango Co. Ltd. of Japan's current and future wireless intellectual property. Dwango Japan is a entertainment content and network technology provider for NTT DoCoMo's i-modeTM service. Dwango North America Inc. is capitalizing on Dwango Co. Ltd's expertise and experience as a leader in the Japanese ring tone, media and mobile games market to build similar offerings for the rapidly growing North American market. Dwango North America corporate information can be found at www.dwango.com or call 206.286.1440.