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KingsIsle Entertainment Expands Executive Leadership Team
J. Todd Coleman Named VP and Creative Director; Josef Hall Named VP of Development
PLANO, TEXAS - March 03, 2010 - KingsIsle Entertainment, the game development company behind the award-winning online game Wizard101, announced today the promotions of J. Todd Coleman to Vice President and Creative Director and Josef Hall to Vice President of Development. Mr. Coleman's role in the company has been expanded beyond Creative Director to include a Vice President title, with the added responsibility of production management and creative vision across all of KingsIsle's games. This includes future development of Wizard101, brand extensions and other MMOs in development. Mr. Hall’s role will encompass responsibilities across all aspects of development for Wizard101 and future KingsIsle properties. He will continue to contribute strong technical leadership as well as to design and production.
Joining KingsIsle Entertainment in 2005, J. Todd Coleman served as a key visionary in the creation of Wizard101 as well as the executive manager of the project from inception through launch. He owned the functional area of Wizard101 production: design, development, art, customer support and operations. His career in the gaming industry includes co-founding Wolfpack Studios, which was behind the MMO Shadowbane. Currently, Coleman is leading KingsIsle Entertainment’s second project as the executive manager.
Josef Hall was the co-creator of Wizard101 and previously the Senior Director of Software Engineering at KingsIsle. Hall is responsible for the technical implementation of all KingsIsle products. He developed the world-class systems that KingsIsle uses to build highly scalable client-server technologies to support millions of Wizard101 players. Before joining KingsIsle in 2005, Hall co-founded Wolfpack Studios with Coleman and was one of the key creative minds behind the MMO. In his new role Hall will take on responsibilities across all development and strategic direction of KingsIsle in addition to his technical leadership.
“Todd and Josef have been integral influencers behind the creation of Wizard101 and the ongoing innovation at KingsIsle Entertainment,” said Elie Akilian, CEO of KingsIsle Entertainment. “Their contributions and leadership in both the technical and creative aspects of our games have helped drive the success of our company and our people.”
Wizard101 currently has more than 5 million registered users. In the game, kids and families enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
KingsIsle Entertainment is a developer and publisher that specializes in creating high-quality massively multiplayer online games which provide entertainment for the entire family. Wizard101, KingsIsle’s flagship property, has received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval in 2009 and has been recognized by the National Parenting Publications Awards. The company’s experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully-voiced characters. KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
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KingsIsle Entertainment Launches WizardBlox for the iPhone
KingsIsle Entertainment Debuts iPhone Game
PLANO, TEXAS - February 11, 2010 - KingsIsle Entertainment, creators of the award-winning massively multiplayer online game (MMO) Wizard101, announced today the release of its first iPhone application, WizardBlox. The stand-alone WizardBlox application is based on the mini game Sorcery Stones from Wizard101.
WizardBlox is a fast paced spatial puzzle game for the iPhone that challenges players with ever increasing levels. As players advance, they will come across special blocks that create advantages and present new challenges. The game is available through the iTunes store free of charge.
Players of WizardBlox will also have the opportunity to win codes that can be redeemed for in-game items in the massively popular online MMO, Wizard101.
"WizardBlox for iPhone provides Wizard101 fans with a way to stay connected with the game world when they are on the go," said Todd Coleman, creative director of KingsIsle Entertainment. "It's a fun way to spend a few minutes that now provides players an opportunity to earn unique items in Wizard101."
In Wizard101, kids and families enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight the forces of evil. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.
Wizard101 can be downloaded at www.Wizard101.com and offers free game play for as long as players choose. Players seeking access to premium areas and items may purchase pre-paid cards in participating stores or purchase a subscription or Crowns online. New worlds, activities, pets and Wizard clothing are periodically added to the game, creating an ever-changing world with new things to see and do.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
KingsIsle Entertainment is a developer and publisher that specializes in creating high-quality massively multiplayer online games which provide entertainment for the entire family. Wizard101, KingsIsle’s flagship property received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval in 2009 and has been recognized by the National Parenting Publications Awards. The company’s experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully-voiced characters. KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc
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KingsIsle’s Wizard101 Community Raises $126,000 for Children’s Charities
Plano, TX (Jan. 11, 2010) – Wizard101 players showed their strength as a community in benefiting two worthy organizations – Austin Children’s Shelter and Child’s Play. From Dec. 14 to Jan. 5, players were able to purchase an in-game riding mount, the “Meowmodon”, for approximately $15 with all proceeds from the sales going to the two charities. The $126,000 raised by Wizard101 players will be evenly distributed between the charities. The endeavor was the first for the award-winning, magic-themed massively multiplayer online (MMO) game.
Wizard101 selected the two beneficiaries – Austin Children’s Shelter and Child’s Play – to support the local Austin community as well as the global gaming community. Austin Children’s Shelter provides emergency shelter and care for abused and neglected children, and Child’s Play is a game industry charity dedicated to providing games and toys to children in hospitals worldwide.
“Wizard101 fans have shown that there truly is strength in numbers,” said Elie Akilian, CEO of KingsIsle Entertainment. “We were thrilled to see the Wizard101 community band together to benefit these two great organizations.”
In Wizard101, kids and families enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.
Wizard101 can be downloaded at www.Wizard101.com and offers free game play for as long as players choose. Players seeking access to premium areas and items may purchase pre-paid cards in participating stores or purchase a subscription or Crowns online. New worlds, activities, pets and Wizard clothing are periodically added to the game, creating an ever-changing world with new things to see and do.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
KingsIsle Entertainment is a developer and publisher that specializes in creating high-quality massively multiplayer online games which provide entertainment for the entire family. Wizard101, KingsIsle’s flagship property, has received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval in 2009 and has been recognized by the National Parenting Publications Awards. The company’s experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully-voiced characters. KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Wizard101 Unveils New Riding Pet to Raise Money for Children’s Charities
Sales of “Meowmodon” to support Child’s Play and the Austin Children’s Shelter
Plano, TX (Dec. 14, 2009) – Wizard101, the award-winning magic-themed Massively Multiplayer Online game (MMO) for kids and families, is giving players and their friends a unique way to support children this holiday season. The purchase of an in-game riding pet, the “Meowmodon”, will benefit the Austin Children’s Shelter and Child’s Play. The Austin Children’s Shelter provides emergency shelter and care for abused and neglected children and Child’s Play is a game industry charity dedicated to providing games and toys to children in hospitals worldwide.
The black and white Meowmodon resembles a large tiger and sells for 7,500 in-game Crowns per pet. For each pet sold, KingsIsle will donate the full amount (a retail value of approximately $15) to the two charities, divided equally. The Meowmodon is available for purchase through the in-game Crown Shop from December 14, 2009 through January 5, 2010.
“We have an opportunity to give back by tapping into the power of our Wizard101 community – our 5 million players can make a real difference to deserving children,” said Elie Akilian, CEO of KingsIsle Entertainment. “We chose these organizations because we wanted to support the communities that we are a part of – one located in the same city as our design studio and another with global reach, just like Wizard101.”
Wizard101 players enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.
Wizard101 can be downloaded at www.Wizard101.com and offers free game play for as long as players choose. Players seeking access to premium areas and items may purchase pre-paid cards in participating stores or purchase a subscription or Crowns online. New worlds, activities, pets and Wizard clothing are periodically added to the game, creating an ever-changing world with new things to see and do.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
KingsIsle Entertainment is a developer and publisher that specializes in creating high-quality massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) which provide entertainment for the entire family. Wizard101, KingsIsle’s flagship property, has received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval in 2009 and has been recognized by the National Parenting Publications Awards. The company’s experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully-voiced characters. Founded in 2005, KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Wizard101™ School House RocksWIZARD101™ Player Houses – Schools of Magic
This December, Wizard101 is introducing more housing options for its players. In addition to the houses based on the worlds of Wizard City, Krokotopia, Marleybone, Moo Shu and Dragonspyre, players can indulge their inner-decorator by purchasing a house based on one of the seven schools of magic. The houses’ décor reflects the magic schools of life, death, fire, ice, myth, storm and balance.
There are two purchasing options for the school houses. Players can buy their favorite school house for 10,000 Crowns or 100,000 in-game Gold. The two options ensure that the houses are available to all players.
Additionally, many more houses are currently in development for those who enjoy the ability to customize their personal space.
School of Magic houses will be available for purchase mid-December.
Wizard House Fast Facts:
- Houses currently available include: Wizard City small and big island, Krokotopia small and big island, Marleybone small and big island, Moo Shu small and big island and Dragonspyre small and big island.
- Seven additional school houses based on the seven schools of magic: life, death, fire, ice, myth, storm and balance.
- School houses may be purchased for 10,000 Crowns (20 USD) or 100,000 in-game Gold.
- School houses will be available mid-December.
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Wizard101 Wins Prestigious NAPPA Honors Award
Plano, TX (Nov. 9, 2009) – Wizard101, a magic-themed Massively Multi-player Online game (MMO) for kids and families, was named an Honors Award winner in the 2009 National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) Children’s Products competition. Full results were announced November 1, 2009, in more than 40 regional parenting magazines across the country and online at Parenthood.com. This distinguished award recognizes Wizard101 as a standout among software & video games available for children today.
Now entering its 20th year, NAPPA is a well-known name in the world of children’s learning and entertainment. Parents, relatives and those who work with children rely on NAPPA’s recommendation of high-quality toys and products that provide “smart fun,” good design, and grow with children’s ever-expanding interests and skills.
“NAPPA-winning products meet the most stringent criteria and are judged by nationally recognized industry experts, educators, reviewers and advocates in their fields,” says NAPPA Manager Barbara Smith Decker. “NAPPA has set the industry standard of excellence for two decades and is a much sought-after award. When parents see the NAPPA Honors seal on winning products, they’re assured of a topnotch fun and learning experience for their children.”
NAPPA judge Alex Chisholm said of Wizard101: “This multi-player online adventure game encourages social activity and collaboration among players. While other online fantasy games may be too mature for some kids, Wizard101 hits a nice balance among fun, adventure and competition as players are summoned to help save Wizard City.”
Wizard101 players enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.
About the National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)
The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA) were created in 1990 to review children’s products. It has since expanded into two divisions:
• Children’s Products – Toys & Games; Music; DVDs; Books & Magazines; Storytelling & Spoken-Word Recordings; Software, Video Games and Web sites.
• Parenting Resources – How-to Books, DVDs and Websites; Pregnancy, Childbirth and Postpartum products; Baby Gear, and Accessories; Nutrition & Fitness; Health & Skin Care; Childproofing & Safety; Gadgets and Products that make parenting easier and more fun.
NAPPA is recognized for its service to parents, having won the Parenting Publications of America’s Gold Award for Editorial Excellence. NAPPA is a program administered by Dominion Parenting Media, a division of Dominion Enterprises, and promoted in association with parenting publications across the United States and on the Web at Parenthood.com.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
KingsIsle Entertainment specializes in creating high quality massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) that provide entertainment for the entire family. The company’s experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully voiced characters. Founded in 2005, KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Wizard101 Thanks Service Members on Veterans Day
KingsIsle Entertainment offers unique in-game gift to military players and their families
PLANO, TEXAS (Nov. 2, 2009) – In honor of Veteran’s Day, Wizard101, the magic-themed Massively Multi-player Online game (MMO), is recognizing active and non-active U.S. military personnel with a special item their characters can use in the game.
The “Sword of Valor” item code and redemption instructions will be emailed to eligible players who register by November 12, 2009, at: www.wizard101.com/game/promotions/veteransday. The sword is available to new and existing player accounts. There is no fee to register, download or play the game.
“We’ve heard from military families who use Wizard101 as an online meeting place for friends and family when deployed or posted overseas,” said J. Todd Coleman, creative director of Wizard101. “Coming from a military family myself, I know that military service affects the entire family. We want to recognize our players – both kids and adults – with a special Veteran’s Day gift.”
Wizard101 can be downloaded at www.Wizard101.com and offers free game play for as long as players choose. Players seeking access to premium areas and items may purchase pre-paid cards in participating stores or purchase a subscription or Crowns online. New worlds, activities, pets and Wizard clothing are periodically added to the game, creating an ever-changing world with new things to do and see.
Wizard101 players enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
KingsIsle Entertainment specializes in creating high quality massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) that provide entertainment for the entire family. The company’s experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully voiced characters. Founded in 2005, KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Wizard101™ Mounts Fast Facts
Announced at the 2009 Austin Game Developers Conference
The next major new content being developed by KingsIsle Entertainment for Wizard101 is a series of Wizard Mounts that provide a fun, fast, and stylish way of getting around. Many different types of Wizard Mounts will be available with more to come in the future. Initially, four will be introduced: Brooms, Horses, Cats, and Dragons!
Wizard Mounts may be rented for a day or a week. They may also be purchased permanently. The one and seven day rental gives Wizards a chance to try out the mount and decide which one they want to own permanently. One day rentals add a 20% movement speed increase. Seven day rentals and permanent purchases add a 40% movement speed increase.
One day rentals may be purchased with in-game gold. Seven day rentals and permanent Wizard Mounts may be purchased with in-game gold or Crowns. All mounts may be purchased at the Crown shop (player user interface that will be available in October) or Zeke.
Wizard Mounts are expected to launch in October 2009.
Wizard Mounts Fast Facts:
• Four types at release: Brooms, Horses, Cats, and Dragons!
• Available in a variety of appearances that favor male and female styles.
• May be rented for 1-day or 7-days, or purchased permanently.
• 1-day rentals give 20% movement speed increase; 7-day and permanent purchases give 40% movement speed increase.
• May be purchased for in-game gold and Crowns from the new, upcoming Crown shop or Zeke.
• Available in October 2009.
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Wizard101® Celebrates First Anniversary & Five Million Players
KingsIsle Entertainment finds success in family entertainment
PLANO, TEXAS (Sept. 10, 2009) – Wizard101, the magic-themed Massively Multi-player Online game (MMO), is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. KingsIsle Entertainment, the maker of Wizard101, is proud to announce that during this time more than five million players from around the world have registered for the game. As part of the celebration, several decorations are being added to the game in September as well as a special surprise for all players.
Wizard101 combines the social interaction of online multi-player games with a parental control system that allows adults to restrict communications options for younger players, while allowing more freedom to older players. These safeguards, combined with the no-cost, downloadable distribution model have resonated with consumers looking for new ways to have fun on a budget.
“Quality family entertainment doesn’t have to be expensive,” said J. Todd Coleman, creative director of Wizard101. “The success of Wizard101 clearly shows that it is possible to produce a fun and challenging game that is both wallet-friendly and appropriate for all ages – and that it’s something people are looking for in these tough economic times.”
Wizard101 can be downloaded at www.Wizard101.com and offers free game play for as long as players choose. Additional worlds and in-game items can also be purchased through pre-paid cards or a monthly subscription fee. New worlds, activities, pets and Wizard gear are periodically introduced to the game, creating an ever-changing world with new things to do and see.
Wizard101 players enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by families and players of all ages.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
KingsIsle Entertainment specializes in creating high quality massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) that provide entertainment for the entire family. The company’s experienced and creative team is raising the bar in online entertainment by offering products with rich storylines, friendly navigation, top-quality art and fully voiced characters. Founded in 2005, KingsIsle is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and has a development studio in Austin, Texas. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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WIZARD101® Partners with Top Fansite to Reward Devotees & Build Facebook Fans
Wizard101 Central Online Ambassadors will Receive Exclusive Prizes
PLANO, TEXAS (Aug. 26, 2009) – Wizard101, the high-quality, downloadable, family-friendly MMO, has recruited members of the fan site Wizard101 Central (www.Wizard101Central.com) to drive enthusiasts to the game’s Facebook page. All Wizard101 Central members will be rewarded based on the number of new Facebook fans who join between today and Sept. 16, 2009.
Exclusive prizes based on the number of new Wizard101 Facebook fans, are:
• 25,000 fans = 2,500 gold
• 50,000 fans = Krokotopia Hammock housing item
• 75,000 fans = Danger Hound that comes with one Infection spell card
Facebook rules and regulations apply. Fans who are under 13 years of age can still partake in the exclusive gift by becoming a Wizard101 Central member. While too young to create a Facebook profile, they can still contribute by asking friends and family to become Wizard101 Facebook fans. To become a Wizard101 Facebook fan, visit www.facebook.com/wizard101.
About KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc.
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Wizard101 gift card distribution expands to include major retail stores
Plano, Texas - July 8, 2009 - KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc., creator of high quality, downloadable, family-friendly MMO’s, announces the release of Wizard101® prepaid gift cards in major retailers nationwide. Wizard101’s prepaid gift cards are available in $10 and $20 increments, depending on location, and include a limited edition in-game collectible pet that can protect and assist Wizards as they venture through spell-binding virtual worlds.
Earlier this year, Wizard101 launched their prepaid gift card program in all Rite Aid® and 7-Eleven® stores nationwide. After the program’s successful start, KingsIsle has expanded the gift card program to include distribution at the following retail outlets, with anticipated launch dates specified below.
Blockbuster® (Release date - June 29) Best Buy® (Release date - July 15) Wal-Mart® (Release date - July 27) Toys “R” Us® (Release date - August 3)
“ Wizard101’s prepaid gift cards provide young members of our growing community easier access to the game’s premium content and gives parents a fun, convenient gift that kids can enjoy for days,” said KingsIsle CEO Elie Akilian.
Prepaid gift cards provide players, especially those without a credit card, access to “Crowns” Wizard101’s in game currency. “Crowns” help players access new worlds and can be used to purchase virtual goods such as wands, treasure cards and advanced equipment for their characters.
Wizard101 players enter the magical world of Wizard City as student Wizards setting out to hone their Wizard skills, cast spells and summon powerful creatures to fight evil forces. The characters and worlds of Wizard101 are influenced by literature, history and pop culture, giving the game a depth and quality appreciated by adults and enjoyable for families to play together. The game provides a safe online, virtual environment for kids to game together by offering special community chat levels and parental controls.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Crafting system, Bazaar marketplace, and community features included in expansion
Plano, Texas - July 2, 2009 - KingsIsle today released the largest expansion to date for the online virtual world Wizard101® (www.wizard101.com). In addition to the lush new world of Grizzleheim, the expansion also introduces crafting to the game, as well as a Bazaar and several new community features.
"Crafting will introduce some amazing and really powerful new equipment into the game, including items that span multiple schools of magic," explains James Nance, Lead Designer of Wizard101. "Additionally, as Treasure Cards will be primarily created by crafting, it will encourage many Wizards to try their hand at crafting and trading cards with other players."
The ability to craft items will add a whole new dimension to Wizard101. Players will have the opportunity to craft literally hundreds of new items, including hats, robes, staves, furniture and Treasure Cards. First, Wizards will obtain crafting tables for their houses or dorm rooms, and then collect the recipes and reagents, or ingredients, necessary to make the new items through exploration, shopping, or defeating enemies. There are five tiers of advancement for crafters, and any player may choose to become a crafter, although many recipes and ingredients will be found in areas accessible only to subscribers.
In addition to Grizzleheim and crafting, players may now visit the new Bazaar in Olde Town where they may buy items sold by other players and sell items in exchange for gold. Run by a shrewd but fair trader named Elik Silverfist, prices for each item will adjust depending on how many of that item he has on hand, but Wizards will always get the best deal by visiting Elik.
New updates to community features also include grouping in which up to four players may adventure together across zones and communicate via their own chat channel. If one party member initiates a duel, a place is reserved in that duel circle for each member in the party. This expansion will also introduce open chat, an option available only to players over age 18 with a validated credit card.
Popular with families who like to play together or connect over distance, Wizard101 was designed with the safety of young players in mind and is enjoyed by millions of players of all ages. It is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. Premium content is available by subscription or microtransaction. Wizard101 gift cards can now be found at more than 13,000 retail outlets nationwide. For details, visit https://www.wizard101.com/site/home2/wizard101/page_8ad6a404207fb2fd0120a1589af60841
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
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Wizard101® Players Can Now Own and Decorate Their Own Virtual Castles and Lands
Plano, Texas--May 6, 2009 - While the real housing market may still be languishing, KingsIsle Entertainment has made the dream quite accessible for players of online virtual world Wizard101® (www.wizard101.com). A robust new housing system called Wizard Castles and Lands is being made live in the game today, enabling players to customize their own personal space. The new feature ranges from a dorm room to luxury private floating island villas that can be decorated inside and out, complete with blossoming cherry trees, sculptures and a car in the driveway.
"As with other aspects of Wizard101," said Wizard101 Director J. Todd Coleman, "we really wanted to make sure Castles and Lands was a feature all of our players could participate in from the very beginning."
Wizard Castles and Lands provide a whole new aspect to the all-ages game of wizarding adventure, card collecting, spell casting, mini-games and more. All players, including Free-to-play (FTP), start out with a dorm room at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts with hundreds of decorating options from wallpaper to in-game trophies. Modest and luxury private Castles and Lands can be purchased with in-game gold, giving players a virtual space to invite their friends and showcase their Wizard101 style.
Beginning in the fantasy-inspired world of Wizard City, a turtle character named "Buxley Turtleton" is the Castles and Lands vendor who allows players to choose a type of Wizard City-themed house. Each world in the game will have a turtle character that sells the Castles and Lands which correspond to the world the player is in at that time.
Players can teleport to their own house or over to a friend’s house via their Friends List. Decorations can be obtained through many methods including in-game gold, PvP Arena Points, quest rewards, exploration, defeat of selected bosses, common or rare enemy drops and Crown (microtransaction) purchase. Features include:
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Three tiers of housing: Dorm, Modest Private and Luxury Private
- Two housing styles for each of five current worlds, beginning with Wizard City.
- Over 1,000 decorative housing items such as plants, statues, wall hangings, columns, pictures, furniture and more.
- Many variations, including more than 20 types of detailed wallpaper and flooring.
Popular with families who like to play together or connect over distance, Wizard101 was designed with the safety of young players in mind. It is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Anybody with a Windows-based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. Advanced content is available by subscription or microtransaction. Wizard101 gift cards can now be found at more than 13,000 retail outlets nationwide. For details, visit https://www.wizard101.com/site/home2/wizard101/page_8ad6a404207fb2fd0120a1589af60841
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
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KingsIsle Extends Wizard101® Gift Card Program to Rite Aid® Stores
Plano, Texas - May 4, 2009 - Rite Aid® has joined KingsIsle Entertainment's newly launched gift card program for family-friendly hit virtual world game Wizard101® (www.wizard101.com). Prepaid Wizard101 gift cards in $10 and $20 increments began shipping to Rite Aid stores nationwide today.
"With the addition of Rite Aid, Wizard101 fans will now find gift cards in more than 13,000 retail locations nationwide," said KingsIsle CEO Elie Akilian. "More major retail outlets are set to join the program in the coming months."
Each card offers a limited edition collectible pet available upon redemption from one of four special sets: Protectors, Assistants, Adventurers, and Heroes. Pets from these sets will give players unique powers and spell cards. Beginning with Protectors, a new set will become available each month.
Wizard101 gift cards are an affordable birthday gift or child reward, and a way to unlock new areas of the game or purchase in-game gear such as wands, treasure cards and holiday items. The gift cards at Rite Aid will offer collectible pets that are different from other retailers participating in the program. Cards are expected to arrive in Rite Aid stores over the course of the next week.
Popular with families who like to play together or connect over distance, Wizard101 is a game of wizardly adventure and card playing fun that was designed with the safety of young players in mind. It is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. KingsIsle lets players choose subscription or microtransaction methods for advanced content. Family plan subscriptions are $6.95 per month and general subscriptions are $9.95. Micropayment zones give permanent access to particular streets or areas within the game for as little as a $1.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Powerful New Spells and Training Point Buyback
Among New Features Live in Wizard101® Online Game
PLANO, TEXAS - April 13, 2009 - Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. today announced a Wizard101® (www.wizard101.com) game update with features that include powerful new spells, a Training Points Buyback system, and a Quest Helper.
Wizard101 is a mainstream massively multiplayer online (MMO) game that has attracted well over one million players. The new features now live in the 3D virtual world include:
New High Level Spells
For level 48+ players, a new spell card for each of the seven schools of magic is available through a quest, with a special surprise for those that succeed. See your professors to get started!
Training Point Flexibility
See Mr. Lincoln in Golem Court for buying back your training points with Crowns (Wizard101's micro transaction currency). With this new feature, Wizards may buy back the training points they used and spend them on different spell cards.
Quest Helper
Stuck on a quest? No more! Find help by going to your Quest Journal and highlighting the desired quest. The yellow arrow on your screen will guide you to your quest.
Player vs. Player Rewards
PvP Master Diego has new rewards, including a new pet, for those that excel in the Player vs. Player Arena.
Best Friends
The Friends Panel now allows you to identify best friends and family members with a star in the Friends List. Click on a star next to a player name to select (favorite) or un-select (not favorite) other players. Best friends will rise to the top of the list alphabetically and appear in light purple.
Wizard101 was designed with the safety of young players in mind. The game contains no blood, and characters don't die if they are defeated in a duel of spells-they simply go to a safe area in the game to regain health. The game was awarded a 2008 Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval. Wizard101 is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. KingsIsle lets players choose subscription or microtransaction methods for advanced content. Family plan subscriptions are $6.95 per month and general subscriptions are $9.95. Micropayment zones give permanent access to particular streets or areas within the game for as little as a $1.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.KingsIsle.com.
KingsIsle and Wizard101 are trademarks or registered trademarks of KingsIsle Entertainment Inc.
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Powerful New Spells and Training Point Buyback
Among New Features Live in Wizard101® Online Game
PLANO, TEXAS - April 13, 2009 - Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. today announced a Wizard101® (www.wizard101.com) game update with features that include powerful new spells, a Training Points Buyback system, and a Quest Helper.
Wizard101 is a mainstream massively multiplayer online (MMO) game that has attracted well over one million players. The new features now live in the 3D virtual world include:
New High Level Spells
For level 48+ players, a new spell card for each of the seven schools of magic is available through a quest, with a special surprise for those that succeed. See your professors to get started!
Training Point Flexibility
See Mr. Lincoln in Golem Court for buying back your training points with Crowns (Wizard101's micro transaction currency). With this new feature, Wizards may buy back the training points they used and spend them on different spell cards.
Quest Helper
Stuck on a quest? No more! Find help by going to your Quest Journal and highlighting the desired quest. The yellow arrow on your screen will guide you to your quest.
Player vs. Player Rewards
PvP Master Diego has new rewards, including a new pet, for those that excel in the Player vs. Player Arena.
Best Friends
The Friends Panel now allows you to identify best friends and family members with a star in the Friends List. Click on a star next to a player name to select (favorite) or un-select (not favorite) other players. Best friends will rise to the top of the list alphabetically and appear in light purple.
Wizard101 was designed with the safety of young players in mind. The game contains no blood, and characters don't die if they are defeated in a duel of spells-they simply go to a safe area in the game to regain health. The game was awarded a 2008 Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval. Wizard101 is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. KingsIsle lets players choose subscription or microtransaction methods for advanced content. Family plan subscriptions are $6.95 per month and general subscriptions are $9.95. Micropayment zones give permanent access to particular streets or areas within the game for as little as a $1.
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Wizard101 Finds Its Voice
KingsIsle adds voiceover, shared item banks for players
Plano, Texas--March 12, 2009-- Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. announced today that the first two worlds in Wizard101 (http://www.wizard101.com), which recently surpassed its one millionth player, will soon feature voiceovers in all quests, cinematics, and boss encounters. Wizard City and Krokotopia voiceovers will be implemented on March 16, with Marleybone, Moo Shu, and Dragonspyre to follow.
"The voiceovers add an amazing amount of personality and richness to the world" said J. Todd Coleman, director of Wizard101. "In particular, the seasoned voice of Merle Ambrose is very entertaining and in line with our vision for the Headmaster of Ravenwood."
Additionally, players will be able to share in-game items they collect between all the characters on their account. Items can be stored in the player's dorm room and used by any characters the player has created. Each account may create up to six characters. "When a boss drops a really cool item after a battle that is meant for a different School of Magic, players can now share it with another character that can use it," explained Coleman.
Wizard City will be wearing green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, with special wands, staves, and a unique pet available from Pat O'Gold in the Shopping District.
Wizard101 has received high praise for its wide appeal. Dragonspyre, the recently-launched first major world expansion, continues the storyline in an ancient haunted world where players face challenging new battles and ultimately discover the truth about renegade Death Magic professor Malistaire Drake's sinister plans. Several Player vs. Player Arenas were also added where players can challenge each other in either Practice or Ranked duels, with up to four Wizards per team.
Wizard101'sfamily-friendly safety features include a collaborative play style, a chat system with many options and a character name selector. The game was awarded a 2008 Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval and has an ESRB rating of E10+.
Anyone with a Windows based PC (that meets the game's minimum specifications) and a high speed internet connection can play the Free-to-Play areas of Wizard101 indefinitely. KingsIsle lets players choose subscription or microtransaction methods for premium content. Family plan subscriptions are $6.95 per month and general subscriptions are $9.95. Micropayment zones give permanent access to particular streets or areas within the game for as little as a $1.
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Wizard101 Rewards Millionth Registered Player
All Players Receive Special Surprise
PLANO, TEXAS—February 13, 2009— Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. today announced that over one million unique users have registered to play the highly immersive 3D virtual world Wizard101, just five months after its launch in September 2008. "The response has been absolutely overwhelming," says Elie Akilian, founder and CEO of KingsIsle. "We knew the game would appeal to families but we were surprised to see how well the game resonates with the hardcore set. The mechanics are a cross between a traditional Collectible Card Game and an old-school turn based Role Playing Game, and that makes us incredibly unique."
The company is marking this milestone by rewarding the millionth registered player with a free one year subscription to the game, and a statue with an interactive commemorative plaque featuring the Wizard's name has been placed in the Wizard City Commons.
As a special "thank you" all current and future players will receive 101 free Crowns automatically in their account. Crowns are used to purchase game areas and unique items. Several new items that cost less than 101 Crowns have been added to Wizard101 including a limited time commemorative Storm Beetle pet.
"When we created Wizard101, we knew we had something special," said J. Todd Coleman, the Director of Wizard101. "We're thrilled to see that so many people, young and old, agree with us. You can usually tell how well a virtual world is doing within the first few months of launch by how many realms they add or remove. We started with about a dozen and we've tripled since release."
Wizard101 has received high praise for its wide appeal. Dragonspyre, the recently-launched first major world expansion, continues the storyline in an ancient haunted world where players will face challenging new battles and ultimately discover the truth about renegade Death Magic professor Malistaire Drake's sinister plans. Several new Player vs. Player Arenas have also been added where players can challenge each other in either Practice or Ranked duels, with up to four Wizards per team.
This week Wizard101 unveils its special, limited-time content in celebration of Valentine's Day, including a special holiday-themed Piggle pet, and a selection of wands and staves. All items can be purchased with Crowns from a non-player character named Valentina, and all the items may also be obtained after successful battles throughout the game.
Wizard101's family-friendly safety features include a collaborative play style, a chat system with many options and a character name selector. The game was recently awarded a 2008 Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval and has an ESRB rating of E10+.
Anyone with a Windows based PC (that meets our minimum specifications) and a high speed internet connection can play the Free-to-Play areas of Wizard101 indefinitely. KingsIsle lets players choose subscription or microtransaction methods for premium content. Family plan subscriptions are $6.95 per month and general subscriptions are $9.95. Micropayment zones give permanent access to particular streets or areas within the game for as little as a $1.
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Wizard101 Launches Dragonspyre and PvP in Wizard101
Plano, Texas - Jan 20, 2009 - Dragonspyre is a high level world that continues the storyline of online game Wizard101 (www.wizard101.com) beyond the Feudal world of Moo Shu populated by "Samoori" cows. The new environment, Dragonspyre, is an ancient haunted world where renegade Death Magic professor Malistaire has recently been spotted. Once an advanced militant society, Dragonspyre had an esteemed Academy rivaling that of the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts in Wizard City. It is a dark world where the inhabitants held a special interest in Fire Magic. Players will face challenging new battles, and ultimately discover the truth about Professor Malistaire's sinister plans.
Diego the unicorn is the gatekeeper to the new PvP Wizard Arena in Unicorn Way. Players can challenge each other in either Practice or Ranked duels, with up to four Wizards per team. Un-Ranked practice duels, free for all Wizard101 players, allow players to jump into an automatically formed duel or set up their own team and choose opponents. In Ranked duels, a robust matchmaking service matches Wizard101 subscribers with similarly ranked Wizards, and the winners of each duel are awarded Arena Tickets, redeemable for unique loot. Ranked duels will be an exclusive subscriber benefit for the first few weeks in the Wizard Arena. In mid-February, non-subscribers will also be able to participate in Ranked duels for Crowns. At the end of each quarterly Wizard Arena season, a top Duel Master will be named.
Wizard101 features spell-casting adventure and card style game play. The game’s family-friendly safety features include a collaborative play style, a chat system with many options and a character name selector. The game contains no blood, and characters don’t die if they are defeated in a duel of spells—they simply go to a safe area in the game to regain health.
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has given Wizard101 a rating of E10+. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. Advanced content is available by subscription at the rate of $6.95 per month on the family plan and $9.95 per month for a general subscription.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications
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It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Yuletide in Wizard101
PLANO, TEXAS—December 4, 2008 — Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. today launched a merry Yuletide celebration in the family-friendly virtual world Wizard101 (www.wizard101.com) with festive decorations and special seasonal items available only for a limited time.
Players can get into the holiday spirit with Santa and Ms. Claus suits, as well as an assortment of new wands and staves. Elf and Snowman pets are the must-have accessory to complete a Yuletide outfit.
KingsIsle recently launched the Wizard Store offering customized t-shirts, posters, or even Keds. To visit the Wizard Store, shoppers may point their browsers to the Wizard101 web site (www.Wizard101.com) and follow the link on the left menu that reads, “Visit Wizard Store”. The Wizard Store has items for boys, girls, or adults of all ages and accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and PayPal as forms of payment. The game itself also makes a perfect gift with subscriptions, access passes starting at around $1.00 and Crowns available at a wide variety of price points.
Wizard101 features spell-casting adventure and card style game play. The game’s family-friendly safety features include a collaborative play style, a chat system with many options and a character name selector. The game contains no blood, and characters don’t die if they are defeated in a duel of spells—they simply go to a safe area in the game to regain health.
Wizard101 was recently awarded a 2008 Parent Tested Parent Approved Media Seal of Approval. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has given the game a rating of E10+. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. Advanced content is available by subscription at the rate of $6.95 per month on the family plan and $9.95 per month for a general subscription.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
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Players Choose Their Payment With Pay-By-Zone
PLANO, TEXAS—October 31, 2008 — Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment today launched a new payment option that essentially lets players of the company’s new virtual world, Wizard101 (www.wizard101.com) decide for themselves which game payment plan suits them best, whether it’s via monthly subscription or micropayment. Each of the four imaginative 3D worlds currently in Wizard101 contains zones that are now individually unlockable through micropayment. A considerable amount of game content remains free to play.
“A parent can reward a child with days of entertainment content for the price of a pack of gum…and at the same time someone who regularly meets up with their friends in Wizard101 may elect to get full access up front, and save by subscribing,” said KingsIsle Entertainment CEO Elie Akilian.
Designed to fill the void between online play sites for the very young and MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) games with mature adult interaction, Wizard101 puts players in the fantasy role of a wizard apprentice at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts. The game’s colorful creative look, family-friendly features and immersive game play have made the site a popular online destination since launch last month. Players can choose to play in three economic formats:
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At the basic level, Wizard101 is free-to-play for as long as players choose.
- Subscriptions provide advanced gameplay access for a monthly fee. Prices start at $6.95 per account per month for multiple accounts on the family plan, or $9.95 per month for the regular subscription. All items will be available to subscribers via in-game gold or item drops.
- The micropayment system now allows individual streets or “zones” to be unlocked for as little as $1.00. Players purchase packages of in-game currency called Crowns to buy zones or items in the game. The more you spend, the more you get; packages bought at higher levels yield more Crowns, lowering the overall price.
Wizard101 features spell-casting adventure and card style game play. The game’s family-friendly safety features include a collaborative play style, a chat system with many options and a character name selector. The game contains no blood, and characters don’t die if they are defeated in a duel of spells—they simply go to a safe area in the game to regain health. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board gave Wizard101 a rating of E10+.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
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KingsIsle Entertainment Spins a Spooky Hallowe’en in Wizard101
PLANO, TEXAS—October 15, 2008
Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. has waved a magic wand over the family-friendly virtual world Wizard101 (www.wizard101.com) and conjured new limited time content, including three Haunted Towers and eleven frightfully fantastic adventures.
For those brave enough to seek out a wily scarecrow named Jack Hollow in Wizard101’s Wizard City Commons, several spooky challenges await, including:
- Test your courage against the ghostly inhabitants of three brand new towers
- Rescue Wizard City from a ghastly spell by defeating the Baron Mordecai
- Search out Jack O’lanterns throughout Wizard City
- Catch colorful ghosts haunting the wizard school campus
- Dunk for apples to collect prizes
- Visit Spooky Bob in the Wizard City Shopping District for limited edition items such as costumes, wands, hats and accessories, including a special pet!
Several of the seasonal Hallowe’en quests can be found in the Free-to-Play areas of Wizard101 and a few additional ones require a monthly subscription to the game. Spooky Bob and the Haunted Towers will mysteriously vanish shortly after October 31st.
Wizard101 features spell-casting adventure and card style game play. The game’s familyfriendly safety features include a collaborative play style, a chat system with many options and a character name selector. The game contains no blood, and characters don’t die if they are defeated in a duel of spells—they simply go to a safe area in the game to regain health.
The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has given Wizard101 a rating of E10+. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. Advanced content is available by subscription at the rate of $6.95 per month on the family plan and $9.95 per month for a general subscription.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications
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Grandma’s Got Game
KingsIsle Entertainment Reveals Wizard101 Family Plan
PLANO, TEXAS—September 30, 2008 — A magical new virtual world game designed especially for tweens, Wizard101 is fast becoming an online hotspot where the elementary and junior high set play with friends and family after their homework is done. In response to an enthusiastic audience of kids to grandmas already playing the game, online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. today introduced a family subscription plan for Wizard101 (www.wizard101.com). The $6.95 per month family subscription rate will make it more economical for siblings or (grand)parents and their (grand)children to
adventure, play and chat together, each with their own customized wizard characters.
“I live 1500 miles from my grandchildren…and now this is the game we play. They both think it’s great that their grandma plays with them and like to brag about it to all their friends,” posted ‘Olivia Jadeflower’ (her in-game name) on the Wizard101 message boards.
“…of all the games out there for kids, this is the best one by far! The chat is safe, it's exciting, and great fun for parents to play with their children,” wrote mom ‘Donna Mythcaster’ who likes to play Wizard101 with her daughter.
Wizard101 is free-to-play, with advanced play content and features available at the general subscription rate of $9.95 per month. The new family subscription plan enables family members to purchase multiple accounts charged to the same credit card at the rate of $6.95 per month for each account. Discounts to the general subscription plan are also available for six-month and one-year subscriptions. Additions to both the free-to-play and subscription game environments are planned on an ongoing basis.
Wizard101 features spell-casting adventure and card style game play. The game’s familyfriendly safety features include a collaborative play style, a chat system with many options and a character name selector. The game contains no blood, and characters don’t die if they are defeated in a duel of spells—they simply go to a safe area in the game to regain health. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board has given Wizard101 a rating of E10+.
“When all is said and done, Wizard101 is an MMO [massively multiplayer online game] made for kids that their parents will want to play,” summarized Don Shump in Wired’s geekdad blog.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating
massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling,
uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative,
energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team
consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video
games, online environments, communications and commercial software. For more
information, please visit www.kingsisle.com.
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KingsIsle Entertainment Launches Wizard101
Virtual Wizard School Now In Session
PLANO, TEXAS—September 2, 2008—Tweens are grabbing their best spell-casting gear and rushing off to school…wizard school, that is. Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. has officially opened the doors of its highly anticipated Wizard101 ( www.Wizard101.com) virtual world, a magical 3D environment where aspiring wizards gather to adventure with friends and save their world from creatures like a pumpkin-headed Harvest Lord and a zombie named Wormguts.
Michael Lafferty of GameZone commented, “The game is thoroughly delightful, exuding a youthful sense of fun and excitement…KingsIsle is on track to have a certified hit title.”
Joe Blancato of GiantRealm said, “A kid-targeted [Massively Multiplayer Online Game] that’s charming the beard off anyone who plays it, regardless of age.”
Designed for pre-teens and attracting a wider audience of families and traditional gamers, Wizard101 features magical adventure and card style gameplay. Players enroll in the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts and begin a course of spell study. Immediately upon arrival at Wizard School they are tapped by the Headmaster to help save the school from a renegade teacher who has disappeared but who seems to be behind some mysterious happenings.
Wizard101 features include:
- Extensive magical 3D worlds, each with its own creative theme such as a feudal countryside run by Samoorai cows, or an ancient Egyptian-inspired land where the treasured relics are being carted off by dogs from another world.
- More than 101 collectible spells that come to cinematic life as players learn to summon creatures such as Ninja Pigs and a Leprechaun that slides in on a rainbow and showers opponents with gold.
- Seven different schools of Magic, each with its own unique style and gameplay experience.
- The ability to adopt magical pets, like a flying dragon or a mischievous imp.
- A wide variety of outfits and accessories for customizable Wizard avatars.
- Puzzles and mini-games that challenge players and provide a place to rest and rejuvenate after duels.
Wizard101’s collaborative play style supports an environment where players benefit from working together in adventure quests and lower level characters can play alongside higher level ones. A three-tiered chat system and pre-defined character name generator create a safe community for younger players. The game contains no blood, and characters don’t die if they are defeated in a duel of spells—they simply go to a safe area on campus to regain health. An Arena provides a spot for more traditional gamers to show off their player versus player spell-casting skills. Wizard101 is free-to-play, with advanced play content available by subscription at the rate of $9.95 per month. Discounts are available for six-month and one-year subscriptions. For a limited time a 12 month subscription can be purchased for $60. Gift subscriptions are expected to be available online soon. To play, PC users may simply go to www.Wizard101.com and download the game installer. A rating by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board is pending.
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KingsIsle Entertainment Launches Open Beta Testing Phase for Wizard101
Beta Testers Find Virtual World Brings the Family Together For Shared Playtime
PLANO, TEXAS—August 6, 2008— Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc announced the successful completion of closed beta testing for virtual world Wizard101. The final beta testing phase has now been opened to the general public at www.wizard101.com. Wizard101, which emphasizes magical adventure and card-collecting in an online 3D world of Wizards, is expected to officially launch within the next month.
“We more than doubled our anticipated beta audience for Wizard101,” said KingsIsle CEO Elie Akilian. “It turns out that the solid game mechanics and whimsical fantasy environment appeal even beyond the tween audience. We’ve had a great response from testers that included everyone from grandmas who play with a grandchild sitting in their lap to twenty-something traditional gamers.”
Wizard101’s collaborative play style supports an environment where players benefit from working together in adventure quests. A tiered chat system and pre-defined character name generator create a safe community for younger players while an Arena provides a spot for more traditional gamers to show off their player versus player spell-casting skills. As they adventure, players can upgrade their costume and magical accessories, adopt bizarre pets, solve puzzles and play mini-games. At launch, Wizard101 will be free to play, with advanced play content available by subscription.
KingsIsle had Wizard101 under development for three years before the beta period, which means testers experienced a very fully fleshed out game with detailed graphics, fantastic worlds and fully-functional game play. There has been an increasing online buzz about Wizard101. Testers, including those below from esteemed virtual community The Syndicate® have been saying things like:
“Wizard101 is a great game for the whole family, especially for kids. I watch my 6 year old AND my 14 year old laughing with each other instead of irritating one another, as brothers tend to do. I play right along side of my kids.”
“Having been a gamer for 30 years now, playing with my kids has to be the most fun I have ever had….They enjoy the ability to get many different spells and see all the amazing animations, and both are always wanting to start new wizards to try the others. I think the variety of schools and the spells that goes with them makes Wizard101 stand out over [other online games].”
Anyone with a PC who would like to join the final beta testing phase can now sign up at www.wizard101.com and instantly download and install the initial software to join the large cast of good, bad, and frequently silly in-game characters and other players. Beta testers play the game for free and provide feedback to the game’s creators leading up to the official launch.
For additional details go to www.Wizard101.com.
To download press assets for Wizard 101, you are welcome to visit ftp://press:sserp174@assets.kingsisle.com/
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Kids Head to Wizard School as Wizard101 Beta Goes Live
KingsIsle Entertainment Launches Closed Beta For Family Friendly Virtual World
PLANO, TEXAS - June 11, 2008 - Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc announced today the beta launch of Wizard101, a virtual world designed for tween and teen audiences. In the expansive virtual world, beta testers will find themselves exploring a magical world in the role of apprentice wizard at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts.
Prospective game testers are invited to sign up for the beta at www.Wizard101.com. Wizard101 was designed to fill the void between online play sites for the very young and massively multiplayer online games with mature ratings. The first beta testers have now joined the large cast of fantastical in-game characters for adventure and magic spell-collecting fun. Over the coming weeks, beta testers are invited to play the game and provide feedback to KingsIsle in advance of Wizard101's expected release in the third quarter of 2008.
Wizard101 features fantasy adventure and collectible card-style game play plus fun arcade mini-games. Under the direction of noted online game developer J. Todd Coleman, Wizard101 has been designed for collaborative play in which players benefit from playing together. A tiered chat system and pre-defined naming system is in place to create a safe online environment for tween and teen audiences while still providing engaging entertainment for the entire family.
As part of the character creation process, players will take a quiz to determine which of Ravenwood's seven schools of magic best suits their personality before they begin to collect and cast spells summoning imaginary and frequently silly cinematic creatures. As the player adventures through 3D environments encountering scenarios and characters based on history, mythology, pop culture and pure fantasy they will be able to upgrade their costume and magical accessories, adopt bizarre pets, solve puzzles, make friends and more.
For additional details go to www.Wizard101.com
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Ravenwood School of Magical Arts Opens for Enrollment this Summer
Virtual World Designed Especially for Teens and Tweens
PLANO, TEXAS—May 22, 2008—Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. today announced plans for Wizard101, an elaborate 3D virtual world in which magic and sorcery come to life as players embark on a quest that involves a massive cast of good, evil and frequently silly characters. Designed to fill the void between online play sites for the very young and Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games with mature adult interaction, Wizard101 ( www.wizard101.com) puts players in the fantasy role of a Wizard apprentice at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts.
"While the fantasy adventure storyline and collectible card elements of Wizard101 have broad appeal, as a parent I take the responsibility of creating a positive online environment for younger players very seriously,” said KingsIsle CEO Elie Akilian. “Wizard101 is a destination for tweens and teens that’s creative and witty, but still safe. We’ve set the bar high for this game."
J. Todd Coleman, an MMO veteran and the creative mind behind Wizard101, is heading up development of the game, which has been in the works for three years. In the game, players will adventure through magical 3D environments as they learn, collect and cast spells summoning fantastic cinematic creatures. Players can also collect bizarre pets and magical artifacts, solve puzzles, make friends, play mini games, and more.
Features include:
- Extensive magical 3D world where players team up with friends and carry out quests to save Wizard City from the forces of Evil.
- Collectible card-style duels that come to cinematic life as players cast spells alongside fellow and rival students.
- More than 101 collectible spells summon zany creatures such as Humongofrog, Evil Snowman and Stormzilla.
- Seven different schools of magic, each with its own unique style and storyline.
- Many witty scenarios and characters based on history, mythology and pop culture.
- The ability to adopt magical pets, like a tiny dragon or flying pig.
- Puzzles and mini-games that challenge the player to earn crystals and enchanted items.
- New outfits and accessories to earn for your customizable Wizard character.
Wizard101 will launch in the third quarter of 2008 and is not yet rated. For additional details go to www.wizard101.com.
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AUSTIN, TEXAS
Online entertainment company KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. today uncloaked after three years of lock down secrecy. The company has had a team of more than 100 Austin and Dallas based employees, including top creative talent, working on multiple massively multiplayer online (MMO) projects under a cone of silence.
Formed in early 2005 by veterans from both gaming and technology, KingsIsle is led by chairman and chief executive officer Elie Akilian, and President David Nichols. Heading up development are Todd Coleman, a key creative mind behind the MMO Shadowbane and creative director Tom Hall, co-founder of well known game companies id Software and ION Storm. The first project is headed by Todd and is expected to enter beta this spring. Another release headed by Tom will be announced at a later date.
"We founded KingsIsle with an approach that fosters ingenuity," said Elie Akilian. "Our focus is in the online environment and will continue to be so in the future. We've pulled together some of the most creative minds around and given them room to push boundaries and create superlative entertainment experiences. We'll continue to build on that base of originality."
Prior to KingsIsle, Akilian co-founded Inet Technologies, Inc. in 1989, and took the company public in 1999. He served as its President and Chief Executive Officer from April 1999 until the sale of the company to Tektronix, Inc., in September 2004. Nichols brings to KingsIsle a wide variety of experience in operations, publishing, and financial management. Prior to joining KingsIsle, Nichols was with Midway Games Inc., and subsidiaries from 1995 to 2004. Most recently, he served as Midway's Senior Vice President - Administration and Operations.
Todd Coleman was most recently the President of Wolfpack Studios, Inc., creators of the MMO title Shadowbane, until its sale to Ubisoft Entertainment in early 2004. Before becoming Wolfpack's President, he was their Vice President, responsible for managing the game design team, building and maintaining their online player community and publisher relations.
Coming from a fifteen year stretch of successful game development, Tom Hall's contribution to KingsIsle is his immensely creative imagination that allows him to envision entire gaming worlds and character designs that are unique in the game industry. His games have been played by millions and include the Commander Keen series, Wolfenstein 3D, Spear of Destiny, DOOM, Rise of the Triad and Anachronox.
About KingsIsle Entertainment
Founded in 2005, with operations in the Dallas area and Austin, KingsIsle is creating massively multiplayer online entertainment offerings that are innovative, compelling, uncommon and of high quality. They have brought together a team of highly creative, energetic, accomplished and skilled professionals to develop these projects. The team consists of individuals with unique and in-depth experience in the development of video games, online environments, communications and commercial software.
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