Mattel Interactive facts for kids
| Subsidiary | |
| Industry | Video games |
| Fate | Split Up |
| Successor | Ubisoft Riverdeep Interactive Learning |
| Founded | February 12, 1996 |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Parent | Mattel (1995-2000) Gores Technology Group (2000-2001) |
| Divisions | Barbie Software for Girls |
| Subsidiaries | The Learning Company Mindscape Red Orb Entertainment |
Mattel Interactive was a company that made and published video games. It was a part of the famous toy company, Mattel. Before 1999, this video game division was known as Mattel Media.
Mattel Interactive was created to bring popular toy brands into the world of video games and computer software. They focused on making games for kids and families. The company existed from 1996 until 2001.
What Was Mattel Interactive?
Mattel Interactive was a subsidiary of Mattel, meaning it was owned by the larger Mattel company. Its main job was to create and sell computer games and other software. They worked with many popular characters and brands that kids already loved.
The company aimed to make learning and playing fun through digital games. They published titles for various computer systems and game consoles.
The Company's Journey
Mattel Interactive started in 1996 as Mattel Media. It quickly grew by making games based on Mattel's own toys. These included popular lines like Barbie and Hot Wheels.
In 1999, the company changed its name to Mattel Interactive. During this time, Mattel also bought another big software company called The Learning Company. This made Mattel Interactive even larger. It also meant they published educational games.
However, the video game business was tough. By 2000, Mattel decided to sell off its interactive division. The company was eventually split up in 2001. Some of its games and parts were taken over by other companies like Ubisoft and Riverdeep Interactive Learning.
Games Published by Mattel Interactive
Mattel Interactive released many games during its time. Many of these games featured well-known characters and brands. They often focused on creativity, adventure, or sports.
Here is a list of some of the games they published:
- Barbie Fashion Designer (1996)
- Magic Fairy Tales: Barbie as Rapunzel (1997)
- Clueless CD-ROM (1997)
- Barbie Magic Hair Styler (1997)
- Hot Wheels Stunt Track Driver (1998)
- Detective Barbie In the Mystery of the Carnival Caper! (1998)
- My Interactive Pooh (1998)
- Nickelodeon BrainBender (1999)
- Barbie Race and Ride (1999)
- Barbie Super Sports (1999)
- Detective Barbie 2: The Vacation Mystery (1999)
- The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland (1999)
- Create and Draw in Elmo's World (1999)
- Sesame Street Music Maker (1999)
- Generation Girl: Gotta Groove (1999)
- Pokémon Project Studio (1999, published in Europe by Mattel Interactive)
- Tyco RC: Assault with a Battery (2000)
- Uno (2000)
- Prince of Persia: Arabian Nights (2000)
- Rugrats in Paris: The Movie (2000)
- Totally Angelica: Boredom Busters! (2000)
- Detective Barbie: The Mystery Cruise (2000)
- Matchbox Construction Zone (2000)
- Rat Attack (2000, N64 version distributed by Mattel Interactive in Europe)
- Elmo's Deep Sea Adventure (2000)
- Barbie: Magic Genie Adventure (2000)
- Panzer General III: Scorched Earth (2000)
- Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Arena (2000)
- Championship Surfer (2000)
- Diva Starz (2000)
- The Wild Thornberrys: Rambler (2000)
- Max Steel: Covert Missions (2001)
