DragonBackMedia Blog

SPE Networks - Asia and Interactive Partner Strike Gaming Partnership to Connect and Engage Viewers

Singapore, 26 January, 2006 – SPE Networks - Asia and Dragonback Media have jointly announced the formation of a co-branded gamesites (http://axn.jumboplay.com & http://animax.jumboplay.com) with action and adventure channel AXN, and anime youth channel Animax, to bring subscribers interactive entertainment of mega proportion.

Up and running since 1 December 2006, http://axn.jumboplay.com provides subscribers with an unrivaled all-round entertainment experience. Sister channel, Animax will launch its website http://animax.jumboplay.com on February 1 2007. This move by SPE Networks - Asia is to keep up to speed with the digital habits of both AXN and Animax viewers who by and large are very tech-savvy and have great interest in gaming.

Mr Ricky Ow, General Manager of SPE Networks – Asia says, “The Internet and PC entertainment has grown tremendously since its introduction into the consumer market. Over a short period, the PC and Internet have become reliable sources of entertainment. As part of our commitment to deliver a holistic, 360 degree entertainment experience to our viewers, the tie-up with Dragonback Media shows that the channels are serious in connecting with our viewers beyond television.”

What AXN and Animax viewers can expect on co-branded sites:
The co-branded sites opens the floodgates of a large inventory of PC and console games from notable publishers such Eidos, PlayFirst, Atari, Ubisoft and Microsoft and new games are added every single month. In a bid to stake its claim as a premium entertainment service provider, JumboPlay will be the first Asian-based Games on Demand service to carry PlayFirst titles and release the smash hit, the Diner Dash series, which has been downloaded and played by over 100 million people worldwide. The next installment, Diner Dash 3: Flo on the Go, is scheduled for release within the next two months.

Another Asian first will be Atari’s newest Neverwinter Nights 2, the sequel to the huge hit, Neverwinter Nights, scheduled for early January. The game is widely acknowledged to the most anticipated PC game of 2006. The first release in the series has acquired blockbuster status.
Key titles also available on the two websites include Microsoft’s Age of Empires, and Age of Mythology series, as well as best selling family title Zoo Tycoon, followed by Zoo Tycoon 2 in the first half of 2007, Crytek/Ubisoft’s Far Cry, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell, Rainbow 6, Prince of Persia and Ghost Recon series, Eidos’ Tomb Raider: Legends, Championship Manager, Deus Ex, and the Hitman series and Atari’s Crash Day and Act of War. Other publishers in the lineup include Oberon Media, Cenega, Enlight, Terminal Studios and many more.

Gaming Industry for the New Generation
The co-branding comes at the cusp of a boom in gaming. It is predicted that by 2009, Asian PC online gamers will increase to a total of 174 million users, with 103.1 million of them casual PC gamers; 47.4 million moderate PC gamers; 23.4 million hardcore PC gamers. The co-branded gamesite will be an additional channel through which AXN and Animax can connect with their viewers.

Ow continues, “After being revved up by the thrills on the channel, consumers can choose from JumboPlay’s massive offerings to extend their entertainment experience into the virtual world. From passive to interactive entertainment, AXN and Animax provide an unrivaled experience like no other.”

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About Dragonback Media
Founded in 2005, Dragonback Media Interactive Pte. Ltd (Dragonback) is uniquely positioned as a publisher, distributor, aggregator, and total solutions service provider of premium digital media content and technologies for the SE Asia market.

Dragonback unites leading digital media content providers of premium and casual games, music, media, and mobile content with a “digital lifestyle” content portal, the foundation of which is built on the latest in e-commerce and DRM (Digital Rights Management) technologies and infrastructure.

Dragonback’s premier broadband online service portal, offers online consumers popular and classic games titles via a fixed simple low monthly subscription fee. Jumboplay.com receives content from some of the biggest names in the games publishing industry, such as Atari, Ubisoft, Microsoft Games Studios, Oberon, and PlayFirst.

About Animax Asia
Launched on 1 January 2004, Animax is the destination for the ultimate animation experience in Asia. The channel of choice for youth trendsetters, image-conscious, tech-savvy young adults, and individuals seeking a unique entertainment experience with a unique genre. Like the channel’s creative offerings, Animax viewers dare to be different and go beyond the ordinary.

As the first anime-dedicated 24-hour cable and satellite TV channel in the region, Animax not only strives to provide Asia viewers with the latest, most dynamic and innovative programmes from top animation studios and producers in Japan, the brand is set to become a leading iconic brand synonymous with popular youth culture. The channel aims to connect with viewers in their areas of interests such as gaming, music, fashion and art, and create opportunities that will inspire youths to fulfil their passions and live their dreams.

Animax now reaches over 25 million households across Asia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Animax Asia is broadcast region-wide from Singapore via six dedicated, highly customized services for Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Animax Asia is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. More information about Animax Asia can be found at www.animax-asia.com,www.animax-taiwan.com,www.animax-hk.com, www.animax-sa.com and www.animaxtv.co.kr.

About AXN
Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programming, AXN is a leading international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in 50 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and is part of Sony Pictures Television International’s diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

AXN Asia is available to more than 74 million households 24-hours daily throughout Asia in Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, South Korea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Maldives, Mongolia and in hotels and VIP compounds in China. AXN can also be seen in 40 million cable television households on time-block basis in China. More information about AXN Asia can be found online at www.axn-asia.com

Technorati Tags: SPE Networks, Dragonback Media, AXN, Animax, Eidos, PlayFirst, Atari, Ubisoft, Microsoft, JumboPlay, Games on Demand, PlayFirst, Diner Dash, Neverwinter Nights 2, Crytek, Cenega, Enlight, Terminal Studios, Digital Rights Management