NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT COLLECTIBLES ASSOCIATION EXPANDS LICENSED MERCHANDISING CAPABILITES, PARTNERS WITH GAME DEVELOPER ICARUS STUDIOS

June 06, 2011- Cary, N.C. – June 6, 2011 – National Entertainment Collectibles Association (NECA), a leading entertainment conglomerate, is proud to announce a strategic partnership and a majority ownership in North Carolina-based game developer, Icarus Studios, Inc. Utilizing Icarus Studios’ in-house xScape game development platform, the collaboration will allow NECA to leverage major Intellectual Properties across multiple digital platforms.

Having partnerships with most of the leading media companies, NECA has brought premiere products to enthusiasts worldwide.  By means of the new partnership, NECA has expanded their capabilities by allowing licensors not only the opportunity to bring their IP to the market through physical merchandize, but also through a digital medium.

“Icarus Studios has a knowledgeable development team and some of the industry’s leading technology,” said Joel Weinshanker, president and CEO of NECA. “Our expertise combined with Icarus’ experience is a perfect fit, enabling us to provide partners with a fast, high-quality and cost efficient end-to-end solution for PC, mobile, tablet and social platforms.”

Icarus Studios’ more recent titles include co-developing the award-winning massively multiplayer online game (MMO), Fallen Earth, Showtime’s Dexter iPhone game and HeroClix Online featuring Marvel and DC comics.

“The xScape platform was built from the ground up in-house and is constantly evolving,” said Phil Hall, CEO of Icarus Studios. “Cross-platform integration has really allowed us to push the boundaries of the engine and the opportunities are endless.”

For more information and/or licensing opportunities, visit NECA and Icarus Studios representatives at E3 June 7-8 at booth #2852.

About NECA Inc.
NECA Inc. operates as a media and entertainment company in the United States and Internationally. It now operates in three segments: Consumer Products, Filmed Entertainment and Online Retailing/Digital Distribution. The Consumer products segment is a leading manufacturer and distributor of Entertainment related products, dominating the specialty market. Utilizing its position, NECA has for many years worked with its IP partners to ensure maximum success in movie, DVD and game role-outs. The filmed entertainment segment is investing in existing and producing and distributing new theatrical projects that will benefit from NECA’s unique and proprietary distribution model. The online retailing/digital distribution segment leverages NECA’s properties and brands to extend our reach while providing an immersive, cross platform entertainment experience through subscription and individual transaction models.

About Icarus Studios, Inc.
Located in Cary, North Carolina, Icarus Studios is a next generation game developer and technology provider. The xScape game development platform enables the production and cross integration of massively multi-player online games, iPhone and Facebook applications. Icarus Studios’ recent game credits include co-developing the award winning MMOG Fallen Earth, and developing Showtime’s Dexter iPhone game. Icarus Studios provides its partners with a total solution that includes design and content production, monetization, customer support, hosting, and a tightly integrated technology platform.