MONTREAL, QC – March 25, 2026 – Budge Studios™, a global leader in digital interactive entertainment for children, in partnership with Nickelodeon, today announced the worldwide launch of Dora: Explore and Play! Available now on the Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store. The app marks a historic milestone for the studio, returning to the iconic franchise that started it all.
A Full-Circle Moment for Budge Studios: The launch of Dora: Explore and Play! represents more than a new release; it marks a meaningful homecoming for the studio. In 2010, Budge Studios officially entered the app market with its very first title featuring the iconic bilingual heroine, Dora the Explorer. Now, sixteen years and over 2 billion downloads later, the studio returns to its origins, reimagining the Dora experience for a new generation.
“Launching Dora: Explore and Play! is a profound, full-circle moment for our team,” said Michael Elman, Co-CEO of Budge Studios. “In 2010, we began our journey with Dora the Explorer as our very first partner. Today, many of the parents downloading our apps are the same ones who grew up watching the original show. We are honored to bridge that generational gap, bringing the high-quality CG animation of the new series together with the core educational pillars that have defined the brand for decades.”
Bringing the Show to Life for a New Era: Dora: Explore and Play! is designed to feel like an interactive episode of the new DORA series. While it features modern 3D visuals and updated character designs, the gameplay focuses on the classic “Play-Along” pillars: active participation, problem-solving, music, and bilingual exploration.
Key Features Include:
● Legacy Meets Innovation: A gameplay experience that honors the 25-year heritage of Dora while utilizing cutting-edge interactive technology.
● Bilingual Adventure: Naturally integrated Spanish (English for Non-English speakers) vocabulary and phrases that encourage early language development.
● Iconic Characters: Team up with Boots, consult Map and Backpack, and stay alert for the sneakiest fox, Swiper!
● Hands-On Learning: Engaging mini-games focused on logic, rhythm, and social-emotional skills like helping friends and teamwork.
● Musical Exploration: Play along with character-driven songs and interactive musical activities from the new series.
● Safe & Intuitive: A frustration-free interface designed specifically for the small hands of toddlers and preschoolers.
As Budge Studios celebrates its sixteenth year, Dora: Explore and Play! stands as a tribute to the studio’s enduring mission: creating safe, creative, and educational experiences that inspire children to learn through play.
About Budge Studios
Founded in 2010, Budge Studios is a world leader in kids’ mobile entertainment. Based in Montreal, Canada, Budge develops safe, creative, and educational apps designed to inspire learning through play. With over 2 billion downloads, its award-winning portfolio features collaborations with leading global brands including Dora, Bluey, PAW Patrol, Barbie, Hot Wheels, My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake and Hello Kitty. For more information, visit www.budgestudios.com.
About DORA
With all-new CG animation and imaginative character-driven storylines, the new DORA series follows everyone’s favorite bilingual explorer, Dora, and her best friend, Boots, as they embark on epic adventures in a fantastical rainforest. Guided by trustworthy Map, Dora and her friends must work together to overcome many obstacles while being challenged by the sneakiest fox, Swiper.
