Leading Kids Educational Game Company Launches Online & Mobile Learning Adventures Featuring DreamWorks Animation Franchises
Changes Name to JumpStart
TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 4, 2012 — JumpStart® today announced that it is developing online and mobile learning adventures for kids featuring well known animation franchises for the first time. Today marks the launch of new online and mobile games inspired by DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc.‘s marquee film franchise Madagascar. Formerly known as Knowledge Adventure®, the company also announced it is changing its name to JumpStart.
Madagascar Online™, a virtual world within the JumpStart universe which launches today at www.JumpStart.com, catapults kids into Madagascar-themed fun-filled learning quests and adventures. Also launching today on all iOS and Android platforms is an immersive themed learning game, Madagascar Preschool Surf ‘n Slide™.
JumpStart is also working on developing a new gaming franchise inspired by How to Train Your Dragon.
“As JumpStart, we remain committed to delivering on the promise of offering adventure-based learning and next-generation immersive gameplay in a safe, trusted environment, while inspiring imaginative thinking,” said David Lord, Company President and CEO. “We believe the combination of DreamWorks Animation’s premium brands with our learning capabilities will be a win for children and parents across the globe. We look forward to working together to introduce new interactive worlds inspired by their animated film franchises into the JumpStart gaming universe and leveraging our technology to change the landscape of children’s learning and gaming.”
“JumpStart is at the forefront of developing innovative educational games and progressive technology for kids and we are pleased to join forces with them to launch new learning adventures that incorporate characters from DreamWorks Animation franchises,” said Jim Mainard, Head of Digital Strategy for DreamWorks Animation.
Lord added, “We feel that JumpStart reflects the excitement, fun and sense of adventure that is so integral to our brand experience, which is why we decided to change our company name.”
In addition to announcing a strategic alliance with DreamWorks Animation, JumpStart also announced that it has closed a new round of financing. Azure Capital Partners, TeleSoft Partners and other investors join as co-investors and value added partners.
Since the launch in 2009 of its JumpStart 3D Virtual World at www.JumpStart.com, the company has continually expanded the range of its online worlds and its game portfolio. JumpStart now offers both casual and immersive children’s-focused gaming for mobile and stationary platforms on smartphone, tablet, console and traditional web-based browser interfaces.
In addition to the free content on www.JumpStart.com, families can upgrade to an affordable JumpStart membership to access thousands of additional learning games and adventures. Membership includes expanded access to the attractions inside Madagascar Online, as well as the complete JumpStart world, membership to www.mathblaster.com and 4 other downloadable learning games.
