Gameloft, Discovery Channel and WildAid Team up to Fight for Shark Conservation With 'Shark Dash'

SAN FRANCISCO, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

To mark Shark Week'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 19^th until August 18^th, advocates for the fight against the sale, trade and distribution of shark fins can show their support by signing a pledge 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."

Shark Dash is currently available on Google Play & the App Store. For more information, you can also check out the new Shark Dash trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHp8QVxWFdQ

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 is cable's longest-running programming event and will celebrate its 25^th 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® 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® iOS and Android® devices), set-top boxes, connected TVs and consoles. Gameloft operates its own established franchises such as Asphalt®, Real Football®, Modern Combat, and N.O.V.A.: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance®, and also partners with major rights holders including Marvel®, Hasbro®, FOX®, Mattel® and Ferrari®.

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: [email protected]

Amy Hagovsky
Director, Communications for Discovery Channel
T: +1(240)662-2931
E: [email protected]

Eric Desatnik
Communications Manager for WildAid
T: +1(415)834-3174
E: [email protected]

SOURCE Gameloft