Time Warner Interactive yesterday announced the signing of
Wayne Gretzky to an exclusive 3-year multi-platform license for a
line of interactive hockey products. Additionally, a license has
been signed with the NHLPA to provide a game with real player
names, profiles and stats. Both licenses provide that Time
Warner Interactive develop and distribute for all arcade and
consumer systems, including upcoming CD-ROM-based platforms.
Time Warner Interactive President Dan Van Elderen: "We could not
have found better partners than Wayne Gretzky and the NHLPA for
our new line of hockey games." Gretzky: "We not only give fans
hours of great hockey game-play, but we also reach out to new
audiences and introduce them to the sport and excitement of
professional hockey." Time Warner Interactive's growing line of
sports games includes: the RBI Baseball series, Payne Stewart
Pro Golf, Dick Vitale's "Awesome Baby" College Hoops and Kawasaki
Super Bike Challenge (Time Warner/NHLPA).
NINTENDO EARNINGS AND SALES DROP: This morning's WALL
STREET JOURNAL reports that Nintendo Co. has reported a 16% drop
in earnings and 36% drop in sales during the fiscal first half,
ending September 30. "Nintendo says the declines were due mainly
to the yen's recent strength against the dollar, which has eroded
the company's competitiveness. But analysts here, saying the
results fell within expectations, warn they may reflect deeper
problems in the video game industry" (WALL STREET JOURNAL,
11/22).
