Namco cages Curious George

Namco Hometek is going bananas over acquiring licenses aimed at children's games. The publisher today announced that it has bought the rights to develop games based on the upcoming Curious George animated feature. Namco did not mention a release date or which consoles it would be making the game for.

"We are thrilled to be working in tandem with Universal Studios to bring a film character to life in a video game," said Jeff Lujan, Namco Hometek's business director. "Curious George is the kind of adventurous, precocious, and endearing character whose adventures make for great gameplay."

The movie, which will see theatrical release next February, stars Will Ferrell (Elf), Drew Barrymore (Fever Pitch), and David Cross (Mr. Show with Bob and David). Ferrell will voice The Man in the Yellow Hat, who adopts an inquisitive monkey named George.

Namco is loading up on children's licenses. The publisher also owns the rights to Hello Kitty, The Berenstein Bears, Gumby, Popeye, and Peanuts.