Activision lands Shrek 3 license

Shrek 3 won't be out until 2007, but that hasn't stopped DreamWorks from selling off the game rights to the computer-animated sequel.

Today, the movie studio issued a joint statement with Activision, announcing the publisher would develop and publish games based on the follow-up to Shrek 2, the highest-grossing animated film of all time. That film's game adaptation--also published by Activision--was the best-selling children's game of 2004, according to figures released by the NPD Group (and further distributed by Activision).

"Activision is very excited to further expand its licensing agreement with DreamWorks on the third installment in the blockbuster animated series," said Activision CEO Ron Doornink. "Shrek has proven to be one of the most popular children's video game properties worldwide and we expect to continue building on the success of the franchise with the release of our upcoming game Shrek SuperSlam and future games."

Given that Shrek 3's release is two years away--by which time all next-generation consoles will presumably be on the market--Activision did not specify for which platforms it would be released. However, it did take the opportunity to further promote its long-standing agreement with DreamWorks to license films from the latter's computer animation studio, PDI, including last year's Shark Tale, this summer's Madagascar, and 2006's Over the Hedge.