SHELBURNE FALLS, Mass., Nov. 14, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Pileated Pictures, an online entertainment studio focused on virtual worlds and casual massively multiplayer games (MMOs), announced today their key role in the creation of Hasbro's LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs (Virtual Interactive Pets) microsite at www.littlestpetshop.com. The team at Pileated built and is maintaining the entire virtual world online application for Hasbro, which allows for new levels of self-expression and customization for children adopting the "cuddliest pets on the net."
Pileated's entrance into the virtual world space is the culmination of the team's rich experience, where they have been building the next-generation of browser-based entertainment throughout their eight-year history.
"LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs shows our commitment to browser-based virtual worlds," said Michael E. Levine, President and CEO of Pileated Pictures. "Hasbro's support and collaborative spirit allowed us to make a 'next-generation' product and we look forward to expanding LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs in the months to come."
"We've been amazed at the ability of Pileated to deliver compelling play beyond our expectations, while under a tight deadline," said Mary Jane Brown, Senior Internet Marketing Manager for Hasbro. "This is an extremely competitive marketplace, and we needed something that was not only instantly fun for kids, but also delivered on schedule. Pileated's creative and technological capabilities really delivered for Hasbro."
ABOUT LITTLEST PET SHOP and LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs
The LITTLEST PET SHOP property began as a line of collectible mini-dolls aimed at tween girls and their zeal for nurturing and collecting. With more than 300 pets available to collect and cherish, girls simply can't get enough of these quirky, edgy and cute pals and the accompanying LITTLEST PET SHOP playsets and accessories that make the experience complete. Since its re-launch in 2005, the LITTLEST PET SHOP brand has quickly become the fastest growing brand among girls in the toy industry with more than 60 million pets sold. It is also one of the hottest licensed lifestyle properties among young girls. The brand's licensing program has nearly tripled in the past year from 45 to 120 licensees across major categories from apparel and accessories to publishing, electronics, and room decor. LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs takes the concept online, in a virtual world where girls can customize homes for their pets as well as personalize the pets with the latest apparel and accessories purchased at virtual stores and boutiques. More information about the LITTLEST PET SHOP and LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs can be found at www.littlestpetshop.com. LITTLEST PET SHOP VIPs are now available at major toy retailers in the New York Metro area and online at hasbrotoyshop.com and other major retailers online stores. They roll out worldwide in February.
About Pileated Pictures
Pileated Pictures, LLC is an entertainment studio creating video games, character animation, concepts and stories, with a specialty in creating multiplayer online virtual worlds. Pileated has a long history creating video games and content for clients including Hasbro, Inc., Universal Records, MCA Records, LucasArts, GameCock Media Group and THQ, as well as recording artists Nelly, TLC, Britney Spears, Master P and the Cash Money Millionaires. Pileated Pictures' team includes veterans of LucasArts Entertainment, Pixar, ILM and the television show Seinfeld. The studio is set to release "Insecticide," a Nintendo DS(tm) and PC game under their Crackpot Entertainment label, and "planetcazmo.com," their own music themed multiplayer virtual world. For more information visit http://www.pileated.com