Leeds-based digital agency, MadeByPi – www.madebypi.co.uk – has successfully created and launched the new global website for Yu-Gi-Oh!, the global TV series and trading card phenomenon. The animated Yu-Gi-Oh! series has millions of loyal fans all over the world and is broadcast across 80 countries. The launch of the new English version of the site – www.yugioh.com - coincides with the franchise’s tenth anniversary. German, Italian, Spanish and French versions of the site will follow over the next few months. MadeByPi has worked closely with TV production company 4Kids Entertainment, the licensing agent for the famous animated property.

Charlotte Hill, associate director, marketing and communications, EMEA at 4Kids Entertainment commented: “Children’s online entertainment is a specialist area. We were impressed with MadeByPi’s expertise in localising websites and heritage of delivering online experiences for young audiences, including their work with CBBC and Disney. The new site is a fan’s dream and promotes all three series - Yu-Gi-Oh!, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s. It allows fans to interact with characters and customise the website to reflect their preferences.”

The new website boasts an exclusive members’ area, story and character information, exclusive competitions and downloadable wallpapers and screensavers in addition to an interactive tool for members to create their own personalised downloads. The new site also offers a dedicated area where fans can find out where to purchase Yu-Gi-Oh! merchandise. Six million fans already collect and play the trading card games, and they can now download free fan kits of images and banners for their own use.

Karen Lewis, client services director for MadeByPi added: “The site represents the very best in kids’ entertainment. This has been a very exciting global project, working with client representatives across New York, Japan and Europe. We have created a rich, engaging space where fans can interact with the popular brand and fully immerse themselves in all things Yu-Gi-Oh!. Work will continue on the site to enhance the members’ area, to create further engaging content and deliver the remaining four language versions over coming months.”