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Kuju closes Manila branch, integrates kid-focused studio
UK-based Kuju Entertainment has confirmed to Develop the closure of its Manila studio and the integration of another studio into its Zoë Mode brand. The studio in the Philippines had developed Circus Games for the Wii, but it appears the big top wasn't expected to make big money, as the publisher concluded that "prospects for further titles of this type are limited." Kuju's kid-friendly studio, Nik Nak, which opened in late 2007, has been "integrated" into Zoë Mode, which has offices in Brighton, London and San Francisco. The Nik Nak studio had produced Dragonology, originally intended as a Wii title, which was then "remade as a DS title." Mega break-out studios these were not. Source -- Kuju confirms Nik Nak studio merger [Develop] Source -- Kuju to close Manila studio [Develop]
Children-focused dev Nik Nak creating Ology games for Wii
Since announcing plans to re-imagine Templar Publishing's popular Ology series of children's books as video games last October, Codemasters has kept mum on the project, stating only that the first title in the series, Dragonology, will ship for the Wii and Nintendo DS during the second half of this year. Now Kuju's recently formed studio Nik Nak has confirmed that it is handling not only the development of Dragonology, but the follow up Wizardology as well. Nik Nak's efforts only extend to the Wii versions of the games, which are expected to take a more action-oriented approach to the material, so we're left to guess on whose lap the DS versions will fall.Details remain scarce on the titles, though Nik Nak notes that the games will "tap into children's insatiable appetite for all things magical and mythical," and that the Wii remote will make them accessible to both new and seasoned gamers alike. Accessible, sure, but will the waggle-enhanced gameplay make learning about dragons or casting magical spells more fun?
Kuju opens new Nik Nak studio aimed at kids
Mere days after the announcement of Kuju's new download-focused studio doublesix, the company has turned an eye towards developing children's titles by opening up yet another studio, this one adopting the appropriately playful name Nik Nak. The new studio, Kuju's sixth, will be captained by industry vet Kevin Holloway, and plans to create kid-friendly games across a variety of platforms aimed at players between the ages of 6 and 12, with all games carrying ESRB ratings of 'E' for everyone 10+ or below.The first titles from Nik Nak are expected to be announced sometime in 2008, and while it remains anyone's guess what sorts of games will emerge from this new studio, the company has confirmed that its initial batch of releases will be based on an undisclosed high profile IP. Thinking back on our own time spent growing up, raised by television's glowing warmth, we'd wish that this new property would appeal to our inner child with something along the lines of G.I. Joe or He-Man. Maybe Thundercats. Our Magic 8-ball says "wishful thinking."
