Viacom’s Nickelodeon division has pledged to take its games business to ‘the next level’ this year following a new partnership with Take 2’s casual 2K Play label.

The company has signed a three-year worldwide deal with the publisher – an extension of a current agreement between the two firms – which will see DS, PS2 and Wii titles released across North America, Asia and Europe.

The contract covers four Nickelodeon pre-school properties: Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Wonder Pets, and The Backyardigans.

Arwed-Ralf Grenzbach, VP of video games, music and special products for Nickelodeon and Viacom’s Consumer Products division, told MCV:

“Our relationship with Take 2 is very solid and we have been steadily building upon our partnership since entering into an agreement to licence our pre-school shows in the United States.

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“Extending that agreement and partnering with Take 2 on an international basis was the natural next step for us. Our Nick Jr. properties and Take 2’s newly created publishing label, 2K Play, are the perfect fit.

“I have every confidence that the company’s global expertise and innovative leadership will take our gaming business to the next level.

“We are enjoying a very successful partnership with our publishers and are concentrating on expanding and leveraging this exciting platform to deliver an even more dynamic and interactive experience to our worldwide audience.”

Heavyweight rumours kicked off this month that Viacom was set to swoop for Take 2 for around $1.5 billion – which would work out at close to $23 a share. The entertainment giant is owned by Sumner Redstone.