Genius Products joins videogame segment

First title to be released this summer

By Susanne Ault -- Video Business, 3/10/2008

MARCH 10 | Genius Products Inc. is launching a videogame publishing and distribution arm.

The company kicks off its expansion with Line Rider, which is set for release this summer and is based on an Internet game in which players design a world for a boy and his sled. Genius will distribute Line Rider for the Wii, Nintendo DS and PC platforms.

A key component to Line Rider is players’ ability to create their own puzzles and share them online via YouTube, Facebook or the game’s official Web site (www.linerider.com).

No other videogame titles have been specified, but Genius executives promise this is the first in a strong upcoming slate.

“Our management expertise in the development, marketing and distribution of videogames creates a tremendous growth opportunity for Genius,” said Trevor Drinkwater, the company’s president and CEO. “As planned, this marks the beginning of our entrance into the fast-growing and exciting interactive software category and the expansion of our distribution expertise in multiple entertainment based product categories.”

Genius’ chair Stephen K. Bannon added, “In 2008, we enter phase two of our aggressive growth strategy, which will focus on revenue growth and improvements in margin through brand and content partnerships, content production, intellectual property ownership, and the acquisition of additional revenue streams. Our planned entry into videogames is a great example of value, creating higher margin opportunities we will continue to aggressively pursue in 2008 and beyond.”

Genius Products Inc. is the minority owner of Genius Products LLC, which distributes The Weinstein Company films on DVD and is 70% controlled by TWC.