Gameloft, Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment Launch "Despicable Me: Minion Rush"

PARIS, June 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Gameloft, a leading global publisher of digital and social games, and Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) today announced that "Despicable Me: Minion Rush," the brand new game inspired by the worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me, is now available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices.  This comes just weeks before the highly-anticipated release of Despicable Me 2, Universal  and Illumination Entertainment's 3D-CG comedy adventure,  in theaters on July 3, 2013.

"Despicable Me: Minion Rush" is an innovative and original game with all the heart and humor of the Despicable Me franchise.  Fans can play as a Minion and compete with others in hilarious, fast-paced challenges.  They can jump, fly, dodge obstacles, collect bananas, be mischievous, and defeat villains to earn the title of Minion of the Year.

Iconic locations from the series, such as Gru's lab, are rendered in beautiful, cinematic detail and feature secret areas.  Players can customize their Minion, upgrade with unique power-ups, and perform despicable acts through hundreds of missions.  As well, they can battle Vector and an all-new villain exclusively created for the game, aim for the high score on the leaderboards, share their achievements, and challenge their friends.

"It was a great thrill for Gameloft to design a game inspired by the rich and fun world of Despicable Me," said Karine Kaiser, Vice President of Marketing and Licensing, Gameloft.  "Thanks to an amazing collaboration with Universal and Illumination, we were able to make 'Despicable Me: Minion Rush' truly capture the unique humor of the movies while delivering a gaming experience that's accessible to fans of all ages."  

"The quality of the game is a testament to the teamwork among Gameloft, Universal and Illumination," said Stephanie Sperber, President, UP&L."  "'Despicable Me: Minion Rush' will bring many hours of exciting gameplay to fans and allow them to engage with the franchise at an even greater level."

"Our partnership with Gameloft has allowed us to create a completely immersive experience that delivers all the fun that fans have come to expect from Despicable Me," said Natalie Fischer, Chief Operating Officer, Illumination Entertainment.  "We are excited to bring our characters to the digital world through this easily accessible mobile platform."

"Despicable Me: Minion Rush" is a game for the whole family to enjoy on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices, and it is free to download from the App Store or Google Play.

Keep a keen eye on updates of the game for even more fun and surprises!

About Despicable Me 2

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10^th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history.  In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2. 

Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters.  www.despicable.me

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 and connected TVs. 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 Disney®, 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 NYSE Euronext Paris (NYSE Euronext: GFT.PA, Bloomberg: GFT FP, Reuters: GLFT.PA).  Gameloft's sponsored Level 1 ADR (ticker: GLOFY) is traded OTC in the US.

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing

UP&L oversees Universal's consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal's theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions.  This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio's vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities.  UP&L is part of NBCUniversal.  NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience.  NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks.  NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.

Media Contacts:

Thomas Price
PR Manager, Gameloft
[email protected]

Kori Bernards
SVP, Communications
Universal Pictures
[email protected]    
+1(818) 777-9709

Evan Langweiler
Manager, Communications
Universal Pictures
[email protected]
+1(818) 777-9709

SOURCE Gameloft