Aspyr Media, the Austin-based company better known for converting major games such as Guitar Hero, The Sims, Medal of Honor and Civilization, is betting its first game developed in-house will help improve your SAT test score.  Pairing with Kaplan, the company will bring a SAT prep game to the Nintendo DS hand-held game console.  According toe Anthony Manley, the General Manager of Pre-College Programs for Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, “Students learn best when they’re engaged with the study content. While a videogame shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for a full prep course, it’s an innovative and effective way to reinforce preparatory learning.”

“Aspyr has proven over the years that it excels in caring for huge brands and successfully extending those brands to new audiences,” said Ted Staloch, Executive Vice President for publishing at Aspyr. “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Kaplan, a trusted, high profile brand and a company that is the undisputed leader in its field. Aspyr will create games under this brand that will truly surprise and excite people with their originality.”

No details on the pricing have been released.  With about 150 people employed in Austin, this is great news for a company looking to diversify and expand into proprietary games.