10/03/07
RealNetworks is acquiring casual games infrastructure company Game Trust to help bring social networking technology to Real’s partner sites. The transaction will add community and commerce to the platform Real currently offers its partners.
Bill Briggs , Senior Editor
Online entertainment services company RealNetworks Inc. is acquiring casual games infrastructure company Game Trust Inc. to help bring social networking to Real’s partner sites. The transaction, expected to close in the fourth quarter, will add community and commerce capabilities to the technology platform Real currently offers its partners. Terms were not disclosed.
“Our partners want to add social networking to their sites to further engage their game players,” says Harold Zeitz, senior vice president for Real’s games division. “This acquisition will create enhanced consumer experiences for our partners’ offerings and for Real’s casual games players.” The transaction is expected to close early in the fourth quarter. Terms were not disclosed.
In July, RealNetworks announced online casual and skilled games development and marketing deals with Mattel Inc., Lifetime Television and King.com. Lifetime expects the Game Trust acquisition to improve its games offerings. “Social networking is a critical next step for the casual games industry and for Lifetime,” says Kris Soumas, vice president of games at Lifetime, a television network for women and one of Real’s game syndication partners. “We’re looking forward to implementing Game Trust’s technology with Real to enhance our extremely popular games section and strengthen the sense of community on LifetimeTV.com,” she adds.
RealNetworks powers more than 200 casual games channels owned by media outlets and portal companies worldwide. It is the parent of RealPlayer Music Store, No. 94 in the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide.