Kalinske Keynote at The Education Arcade Touts Need
For Engaging Learning Software for Gaming Platforms
LOS ANGELES, May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
(NYSE: LF), a leading developer of innovative technology-based education
products, challenged video game developers and manufacturers to change the
face of education through better computer and video "learning" games, during
the keynote address at The Education Arcade -- a special gaming conference
held prior to the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).
The keynote address, delivered by gaming industry veteran and LeapFrog
CEO, Tom Kalinske, urged the video game industry to combine the power of
gaming with the power of learning to create engaging, cutting-edge games for
children. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 92 percent of American
children play video games for 20 to 33 minutes a day. Increasing the
educational content in video games has the potential to positively impact
these children.
LeapFrog entered the gaming world last fall, with the launch of the
Leapster(TM) multimedia learning system, a hand-held platform built
specifically with learning in mind. The handheld features a four-inch 12-bit
color backlit display; a 32bit RISC processor plus DSP; touch screen with
stylus and directional pad and eight-channel audio. The Leapster multimedia
system supports four different types of interactive learning software,
including educational games, full-length interactive learning videos, digital
creativity software and educational book reader content -- all designed to
help children master core school skills in a fun and engaging way. The
Leapster platform and myriad of software options serve as "good for you"
alternatives to more traditional gaming handhelds, and are particularly suited
to younger children.
"The success of our Leapster hand-held told us what we already
knew -- parents and teachers crave learning-driven games for their children
-- and kids love educational software if done right!" said Kalinske.
"Creating software that's both fun to play and grounded in high educational
standards is good business. We are urging the software giants to leverage the
market potential and step up and deliver."
This call to action is grounded in LeapFrog's commitment to integrate
learning in all ways children love to play and learn -- from video games to
toys to tutoring aides. Since LeapFrog entered the toy market in 1995, it has
demonstrated that learning products could be great business and subsequently,
many traditional toy companies have begun developing more and more products
focused on learning. With its track record of success, LeapFrog intends to
continue leading the learning revolution, and aims to inspire the gaming
industry to follow suit.
"Toys, books, video games -- each serves as a vehicle to engage children
in the mastery of skills. We know this formula works, as demonstrated by the
growth in our net sales from $72 million in 1999 to $680 million in 2003; and
we have only just begun to tap into the hand-held gaming market," said
Kalinske. "LeapFrog is committed to pioneering new media in an industry where
the learning bar needs to be set at the highest possible standard for the
benefit of our children."
The Leapster Multimedia Learning System
The Leapster handheld, designed in conjunction with LeapFrog's prestigious
Educational Advisory Board, makes it possible for children to learn and expand
their minds by delivering interactive educational games, books, videos, art
and homework help all on one platform. Providing learning challenges from
preschool to 4th grade, the Leapster multimedia learning system uses positive
feedback and integrated tutorials to offer hints and tailored examples that
guide a child through new concepts, and foster confidence and success.
The Leapster multimedia learning system is available at major retailers
nationwide, including Toys "R" Us, Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart. For more
information, please visit http://www.leapfrog.com.
About LeapFrog: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is a leading designer,
developer and marketer of innovative, technology-based learning products and
related proprietary content, dedicated to making learning effective and
engaging for all ages, at home and in schools, around the world. The company
was founded in 1995 and is based in Emeryville, California. LeapFrog has
developed a family of learning platforms that come to life with more than
100 interactive software titles, covering important subjects such as phonics,
reading, writing, math, music, geography, social studies, spelling, vocabulary
and science. In addition, the company has created more than 35 stand-alone
educational products for children from birth to 16 years. LeapFrog's
award-winning U.S. consumer products are available in six languages at major
retailers in more than 25 countries around the world. The LeapFrog SchoolHouse
curriculum programs are currently in classrooms across the U.S. with over
200 interactive books and over 450 skill cards representing more than
6,000 pages of educational content. LeapFrog SchoolHouse products have won
numerous awards from the education industry, including the Golden Lamp Award
and Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational
Publishers, the Award of Excellence from Technology & Learning magazine and
the Teacher's Choice Award from Learning magazine.
NOTE: LEAPFROG and LEAPSTER are trademarks of LeapFrog Enterprises Inc.
CONTACT: Jaeme Sines Laczkowski of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.,
+1-510-596-3497, or jsines@leapfrog.com; or Lindsay Reich of Kaplow
Communications, +1-212-221-1713, or lindsayr@kaplowpr.com.
SOURCE LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.leapfrog.com
CONTACT:
Jaeme Sines Laczkowski of LeapFrog
Enterprises, Inc., +1-510-596-3497, or jsines@leapfrog.com; or
Lindsay Reich of Kaplow Communications, +1-212-221-1713, or
lindsayr@kaplowpr.com
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