D3Publisher (D3P), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, announced today that it will bring Aardman Animation’s award-winning series, Shaun the Sheep, exclusively to Nintendo DS™. Players will play as the loveable sheep, Shaun, as he tries to find the rest of the flock before the Farmer arrives home. The game will feature the fan-favorite characters, items and locations from the much-loved stop-motion animated series on Disney Channel, as well as original content for all-new experiences with Shaun and the rest of the flock. Gamers will explore areas based on the series, unlock show-related items and work with other sheep to maneuver around obstacles and access hidden areas. Shaun the Sheep is slated to ship to retail stores in North America and Europe this fall.

“Shaun the Sheep is the only handheld videogame based on the show and D3Publisher has worked very closely with Oscar award-winning Aardman Animation to authentically bring the personality and humor of the series and its characters to life,” said Adam Roberts, European Managing Director, D3P. “The pick-up and play gameplay will appeal to players of all ages while delivering the sheep humor the series is known for that adults are sure to enjoy.”

In Shaun the Sheep, the sheep have escaped and Shaun must find the rest of the flock before the Farmer comes home. Gamers will play as Shaun and interact with favorite characters such as Shirley, Timmy, Bitzer and more as they adventure through their favorite scenes and explore areas from the series like the junk pile, the sheep pool and the circus tent. Players will utilize the DS touch screen and microphone as they experience three different gameplay modes: Story Mode, Mini-game Mode and Collection Mode and maneuver around obstacles, access hidden areas, and try their hand at eight unlockable mini-games and eight collectible slide puzzles. Five “micro” games will offer players more interactivity and depth by showcasing memorable moments from the show such as saving Timmy from the circus high wire or making a ball of wool to distract Pidsley the cat!

Shaun the Sheep is under development by Art Co., Ltd. The game is currently rated “E” (Everyone – Comic Mischief) by the ESRB.

The Shaun the Sheep show has been sold in more than 150 countries including the United Kingdom (BBC), United States (Disney), France (TF1), Germany (WDR) and Japan (NHK). In North America, the series debuted in July 2007 on Disney Channel and consistently outperforms the channel’s primetime average rating in all key demographics with more than half a million kids tuning in each week. New episodes air every Sunday during primetime and the shows are repeated throughout the week.