First Ever Video Game Controlled Toy Pet, Activision's Wappy Dog, Out Now For Nintendo DS™

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) is delivering the perfect new companion for kids just in time for the holiday season - Wappy Dog, has hit shelves today!  Developed by SEGA TOYS, Wappy Dog combines virtual and physical pet companionship, including both an electronic toy dog and a Nintendo DS videogame which communicates with one another via sound to create an unprecedented interactive experience.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111108/NY02163)

"Wappy Dog is groundbreaking," said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "With the arrival of Wappy, the idea that videogames are a separate experience from toys is forever changed. Now, we have a future ahead which brings together the virtual and physical world, in a fun-filled and family friendly pet pastime."

Players raise Wappy through five distinct age phases, from playful puppy to full-grown pooch; the dog's voice, songs, and behavior all change to match its maturation level. Each pet provides a personal, customizable experience including stickers that come bundled free with the game and the ability to choose digital accessories and color options. Unlike real dogs, Wappy's needs and thoughts never have to be a mystery — the game will translate more than 350 dynamic barked responses!

A highly portable pet, kids on the move can enter "Travel Mode," allowing them to care for Wappy's needs only with their Nintendo DS. Additionally, in-game toys, grooming, and environments provide even more ways to interact with the pup when not spending time with Wappy at home.  When they return, switching back to the default "Home Mode" will automatically sync up the physical toy with all growth Wappy made while they were away. In "Home Mode", Wappy will react by cheering, crying, or wagging its tail based on the player's performance in competitive, cooperative, and supportive virtual mini-games. Across both modes, the player can nurture, train, and play with Wappy, which will affect development of mood, skills, and even personality.

Wappy Dog is available now on Nintendo DS™ for $49.99. This game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information, please visit www.WappyDog.com.

About Sega Toys Co., Ltd.

Sega Toys Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of Sega Sammy Holdings Inc. and a toy company of design, manufacture, marketing and selling of edutainment toys, character licensed toys and interactive electronics products including POO-CHI™, Beena™, O-CHA KEN™(Tea Dog), idog™, Brain Trainer™, HOME STAR™, Grand Pianist, BAKUGAN™ and Jewelpet™. The company was founded in 1991 and is based in Tokyo, Japan. More information about SegaToys can be found at www.segatoys.co.jp.

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision Publishing maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's website, www.activision.com. 

©2011 Activision Publishing, Inc. Activision is a registered trademark of Activision Publishing, Inc . Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. © 2006 Nintendo. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Amanda Young
Sandbox Strategies
212-213-2451 x227
[email protected]

SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.