National Geographic found a new method to extend the outreach of its mission to raise awareness on the needs of our planet by launching a games division, in charge of developing and publishing themed games across major gaming console, handheld, online and mobile platforms.

The National Geographic Games is led by a team of industry veterans, according to the official announcement. This team includes Paul Levine, senior vice president, extended platforms group, National Geographic Ventures, and senior vice president, corporate strategy and development National Geographic Global Media, who will lead the division.

Former Take2 Interactive and Bethesda Softworks executive Chris Mare will also be part of the team, as general vice president and general manager of the games division. He will also oversee and manage the group’s daily operations.

“The launch of our games division furthers National Geographic Venture’s cross-platform strategy of creating and distributing unique consumer experiences and content on multiple platforms and devices,” said Ted Prince, chief operating officer of National Geographic Ventures.

The National Geographic Games division already announced partnerships with Namco Bandai Games America and Sony Computer Entertainment for publishing and distribution of the titles on all types of platforms.

The launch of course couldn’t have come alone, so NGG also brought along its first title, “Herod’s Lost Tomb,” a game which focuses on the biblical figure of King Herod, present in the December 2008 issue of the magazine, as well as in some of the National Geographic Channel broadcasts. The game is available online in a free, flash version, but it can also be downloaded for PC, Mac and iPhone, with full features and high product content.

This month, two more titles are expected to be released, “National Geographic: Panda” (Namco Bandai) and “National Geographic: Africa” (Sony). The last title for this year will be “Sudoku Traveler: China” (National Geographic), followed by “Rain Forests,” “Greencity” and “From the Bottom Up” in 2009.