Gameloft, Discovery Channel and WildAid Team up to Fight for Shark Conservation With 'Shark Dash'
Gamers Can Help Sharkee Take a Bite out of the Illegal Wildlife Trade in Celebration of Shark Week's 25th Anniversary
SAN FRANCISCO, July 19, 2012/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
To mark Shark Week [http://www.sharkweek.com ]'s 25th Anniversary, Gameloft, Discovery
Channel and non-profit organization WildAid have partnered on a new global initiative to
raise awareness and funds in support of marine protection. From July 19th until August
18th, advocates for the fight against the sale, trade and distribution of shark fins can
show their support by signing a pledge [http://wildaid.com/sayno ] and/or donating money
to WildAid as a part of the popular physics-based puzzle game, Shark Dash.
Shark Dash is a highly addictive game with a fun and unique cartoon-style design
starring lovable toy sharks and a series of wacky and mischievous rubber ducks. Users will
be able to contribute to shark conservation through new exclusive content made available
in the game, notably a new "Fintastic" skin for Sharkee. Google Play users, specifically,
will also be given the option to purchase this skin for $0.99, $4.99, or $24.99 (depending
on how much they would like to donate).
"As Sharkee has quickly become a favorite character among both Gameloft fans and
employees alike, it seems only right that he also becomes a spokesman for a global issue
currently affecting his species," said Gonzague de Vallois, SVP of Publishing for
Gameloft. "For that reason, Gameloft is thrilled to be able to partner with strong brands
such as Discovery Channel and WildAid, who are both advocates for the cause and saving
such a beautiful species from further endangerment."
As shark finning has dramatically increased over the course of the last decade, an
even more urgent need for a solution has emerged. Today, the unregulated shark fin trade
poses one of the most severe threats to the world's shark populations - with up to 73
million sharks harvested annually to meet the rapidly growing demand for shark fin soup.
Through this partnership, WildAid will be able to use the funds raised towards reducing
the demand for shark fin soup through their global public awareness campaign and
educational initiatives.
"With the drastic decline in shark populations, it has become imperative that we
reverse this trend by reducing demand for products derived from these magnificent
creatures," added Peter Knights, co-Founder of WildAid. "We are thrilled to partner with
Gameloft and Discovery Channel, two brands that have successfully brought sharks into
mainstream popular culture and are using their respective platforms to encourage shark
conservation and marine stewardship."
For more information about shark finning and how you can join in on the fight against
it, please visit http://www.wildaid.com. Discovery Channel's Shark Week
[http://www.sharkweek.com ] is cable's longest-running programming event and will
celebrate its 25th anniversary with eight all-new specials beginning Sunday, August 12 at
9pm ET/PT.
About Gameloft
A leading global publisher of digital and social games, Gameloft(R) has established
itself as one of the top innovators in its field since 2000. Gameloft creates games for
all digital platforms, including mobile phones, smartphones and tablets (including
Apple(R) iOS and Android(R) devices), set-top boxes, connected TVs and consoles. Gameloft
operates its own established franchises such as Asphalt(R), Real Football(R), Modern
Combat, and N.O.V.A.: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance(R), and also partners with major rights
holders including Marvel(R), Hasbro(R), FOX(R), Mattel(R) and Ferrari(R).
Gameloft is present on all continents, distributes its games in over 100 countries and
employs over 5,000 developers.
Gameloft is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN: FR0000079600, Bloomberg: GFT FP,
Reuters: GLFT.PA). Gameloft's sponsored Level 1 ADR (ticker: GLOFY) is traded OTC in the
US.
About Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is dedicated to creating the highest quality non-fiction content
that informs and entertains its consumers about the world in all its wonder, diversity and
amazement. The network, which is distributed to 100.8 million U.S. homes, can be seen in
210 countries and territories, offering a signature mix of compelling, high-end production
values and vivid cinematography across genres including, science and technology,
exploration, adventure, history and in-depth, behind-the-scenes glimpses at the people,
places and organizations that shape and share our world. For more information, please
visit http://www.discovery.com.
About WildAid
WildAid is the only organization to focus on reducing the demand for wildlife products
with the strong and simple message: when the buying stops, the killing can too. WildAid
works with Asian and Western celebrities and business leaders to dissuade people from
purchasing wildlife products via public service announcements and educational initiatives,
reaching up to one billion people per week in China alone. For more information, please
visit http://www.wildaid.org.
Press Contacts
Jessica W. Lewinstein
PR Manager for Gameloft North America
T: +1(415)265-5725
E: Jessica.Lewinstein@gameloft.com