Activision lands Dreamy deal

Activision and DreamWorks have extended their licensing partnership by signing a multiyear agreement that lets the Santa Monica, California-based publisher to make games based on upcoming movies from the film studio. Financial terms and the length of the deal were not disclosed.

The films named under the agreement include future motion pictures in the Shrek universe, as well as the rights to the upcoming animated movies Bee Movie (2007), featuring the voices of Jerry Seinfeld and Renée Zellweger, and Kung Fu Panda (2008), with Jack Black. The deal also covers two films currently in development: Rex Havoc and How to Train Your Dragon.

In addition to future films in the Shrek franchise, the terms of agreement also include rights to the sequels of the aforementioned films and permission to make games based on the properties during nonfilm years. All current and next-generation consoles, handhelds, and PC platforms are covered in the deal.

Activision and DreamWorks have teamed up for several games in the past, including Shrek 2, Shark Tale, and the recently released Madagascar: Operation Penguin. Currently in development by the publisher are games based on Shrek 3, Over the Hedge, and Madagascar 2.