DeanBeat: Game companies went on a $2.8B buying spree in 2011
The social and mobile games gold rush inspired lots of investments in 2011, as venture capitalists tried to find the next Zynga. But the year was also a big one for acquisitions, particularly as big companies such as Electronic Arts tried to outmaneuver the social game giant via acquisitions.
In 2011, 77 game companies were acquired for at least $2.827 billion, according to research by VentureBeat and other sources. We didn’t count the numbers for … Continue Reading
Game maker RockYou to cut staff by 40% just weeks after launching two new games
Game-maker RockYou is set to announce major layoffs tomorrow just weeks after launching two new games, Galactic Allies and Hooked, VentureBeat has learned. Redwood City, CA.-based, RockYou makes games for social platforms like Facebook, and is responsible for popular titles such as the Zoo World franchise. As many as 55 employees will lose their jobs, according to a leaked copy of an internal document we have seen.
The news, to be announced on Nov. 3, … Continue Reading
Why game developers hate the Facebook-Zynga marriage, and how Google+ can benefit
Facebook game developers were furious when they found out about the tight relationship between Facebook and Zynga.
If Google properly channels that anger, it could find considerable support for the idea of making games that run on its new social framework, Google+. The question is whether that anger is justified – and the answer isn’t crystal clear.
Because Facebook appears to favor Zynga more than other game developer, including through an unusual growth-target agreement, those … Continue Reading
SupersonicAds strengthens in-game branded advertising with $4.2M
In-game advertiser SupersonicAds grabbed $4.2 million from Greylock Partners to boost its competitiveness with international market know-how.
SupersonicAds is an avenue for game publishers to monetize international players with pay-per-engagement advertising. Players interact with SupersonicAds to earn in-game currency and unlock features through its BrandConnect program.
The new funding will allow the startup to integrate deeper into games and expand its London sales team — in addition to its Tel Aviv office, according to SupersonicAds. … Continue Reading
