Video game publisher “The Game Factory” announced today that the Build-A-Bear Workshop game has gone gold and is on schedule to ship in time for the Thanksgiving holiday to stores nationwide on November 5. Developed by Neko Entertainment, the simulation game will be available for the Nintendo DS system at a suggested retail price of $29.99.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, the video game, brings the furry fun of making your own stuffed animal fun on the Nintendo DS. The gameplay offers a unique immersive experience which replicates the experience of creating & accessorizing your own furry friend when entering a Build-A-Bear Workshop store. The game allows consumers to approach the Build-A-Bear Workshop concept with the same hands-on, do-it-yourself formula found in the retail outlets. This level of interactivity is achieved through the use of Nintendo DS touch screen and wireless technology, enhanced graphics as well as an innovative control mechanism.

According to Maxine Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop, "We are beary excited about the launch of the Build-A-Bear Workshop game for Nintendo DS. The game uniquely captures for our Guests and tween gamers the fun and creativity of our store experience for this important platform. Our Cub Advisor testers gave it a 5 paw (out of 5 paw) rating in their recent live testing."

Gamespot’s Guy Cocker, commented that “the Nintendogs-like game expands on the gifting concept of the chain while making some excellent use of the touch-screen interface.”

“The Build-A-Bear Workshop game has a lot of substance to it, and the deep mini-games and simulation elements should make it a title that stands above its peers in the genre,” wrote Steven Hopper a reviewer at Gamezone.

The Build-A-Bear Workshop game will give you the chance to virtually personalize a furry friend of your liking, name, brush and care for it as well as buy virtual clothes and accessories. Learn how to perform moves with the new DS Build-A-Bear Workshop trick control, explore your very own Cub Condo, and unlock different themed mini-games as you win virtual money to buy additional accessories and clothes along the way. Spend some time in the photo studio and share your photo album and clothes collection wirelessly with your friends.

“We are really excited with the positive reaction we received from the trade, press & consumers in anticipation of our Nov 5th launch of Build-A-Bear Workshop for the Nintendo DS; we believe we’ve been able to capture the essence of the unique Build-A-Bear retail experience and are confident that Build-A-Bear Workshop fans, parents and Nintendo DS owners will agree” said Game Factory’s Vice President North America Leah Kalboussi.”