Universal Interactive, Inc. has announced that its blockbuster video game star, Crash Bandicoot, the hero of its fall release Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex(TM) for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, is an official sponsor of Alien Ant Farm in concert at House of Blues(R) Sunset Strip on Saturday, December 22, 2001. The concert is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m.
In addition, Universal Interactive and House of Blues Entertainment, Inc. ( www.hob.com ) have announced an online contest with a grand prize of a trip for two to Los Angeles to see Alien Ant Farm in concert on the Sunset Strip. For more information, visit www.hob.com/giveaways/contests/default.asp?contest_id=011116alienantfarm.
Print and TV advertising for the concert and the contest appear in all House of Blues locations nationwide during the month of December.
Alien Ant Farm is on tour supporting their platinum-selling album available through New Noize/DreamWorks Records, which has produced two hit singles “Smooth Criminal” and “Movies.”
Crash Bandicoot’s sponsorship of the band is part of a national grassroots consumer outreach tour and multi-million-dollar advertising campaign. Throughout the fall of 2001, a costumed Crash character has made appearances nationwide at retail locations, college campuses, movie openings, sporting events and other public activities.
Television commercials for Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system are airing currently on the MTV, Comedy Central, and FOX networks, and during World Wrestling Federation(R) programming. Print advertising appears in recent issues of Electronic Gaming Monthly, Official PlayStation(R) Magazine, RAW Magazine, Maxim Magazine, Source Magazine and other magazines.
“Alien Ant Farm is a fantastic band whose audience matches that of our beloved orange marsupial, Crash Bandicoot,” said Jim Wilson, president of Universal Interactive. “We are looking forward to welcoming Crash’s nationwide tour home to Los Angeles with his attendance at Alien Ant Farm’s concert at House of Blues Sunset Strip.”
Crash Bandicoot is among the best selling character-based game franchises in the history of the PlayStation(R) game console. The Crash franchise has sold more than 24 million units worldwide, with more 10 million units sold in North America alone. Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex was designed by acclaimed UK-based developer Traveller’s Tales, is co-published by Universal Interactive and Konami Corporation, and is rated E for Everyone with a SRP of $49.99.
