Paradox Acquires AGEOD

DEC. 15, 2009 • Paradox Interactive, known for PC strategy titles such as Europa Universalis, acquired French strategy game developer AGEOD. The latter created titles like Birth of America and Napoleon’s Campaigns. Impact: Given that one of ADEOD’s principal executives once worked at Paradox, this merger is probably more complementary than similar product lines would suggest. The m.....

PSN to be Monetized

DEC. 14, 2009 • Sony Computer Entertainment executive VP Masayuki Chatani told Nikkei Electronics that the division is considering ways to monetize its online services like the PlayStation Network. “Servers and the like have running costs, and we.....

Rage Published by Bethesda

DEC. 14, 2009 • After ZeniMax’s mid-year acquisition of studio id Software, the latter’s upcoming upcoming shooter, Rage, will now be marketed and published by ZeniMax’s Bethesda Softworks. The title had previously been slated for r.....

America’s Army Cost $32.8M

DEC. 9, 2009 • Following a successful Freedom of Information Act request, GameSpot reported that the U.S. Army has spent $32.8 million on its America’s Army recruitment title in the 10 years since 2000. The game is free to play on the PC, while Ubisoft publishes console versions on various platforms. Impact: Considering the success of America’s Army and the cost of high-end game de.....

Riccitiello: Too Many Titles

DEC. 1, 2009 • At the Reuters Global Media Summit in New York City, EA chief executive John Riccitiello stated that the publisher is releasing too many titles a year at 50, that the number releases would be cut back to 40 during the next fiscal year, and that publishing 30 games a year would not be out of the question. Impact: Insiders say EA decided several years ago to solve its revenue issu.....

Left 4 Dead 2 Sells 2M

DEC. 1, 2009 • Left 4 Dead 2 more than doubled the sales of its predecessor during its first month in release, according to Valve Software. In that time the game moved more than 2 million copies worldwide. That figure includes retail and direct distribution sales via ValveR.....

Xendex Secures $3.6M

NOV. 30, 2009 • Mobile and online game developer Xendex received $3.6 million in venture capital funding from Pontis Capital. The developer has recently branched out into iPhone and PSP minis content, and has secured a licensing agreement with Red Bull. .....