IGA Worldwide Resuscitated

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IGA Worldwide looked to be on death’s door, when large clients like EA left and it was forced to put itself on the trading block. However, funding from groups like T-Venture Funds, Kreos Capital and Easton Capital have helped put them back on their feet.

“It’s been a tough 18 months for the whole ad sector, including in-game,” said IGA chairman Justin Townsend. “But we’ve seen a huge increase in RFPs lately.”

Companies involved in soft drinks, consumer packaged goods and lifestyle brands have shown renewed interest of late, and the company still has a good deal of market share on PC and PS3.

“We’ve always stood by the promise and importance of gaming as a medium, and that hasn t changed for advertisers despite the recession,” said Townsend. “One thing we ve seen is that we no longer have to educate buyers on in-game as a medium. Now it s a line item. And we can position ourselves as a reach buy.”

Source: AdWeek

Ayeah Receives Money For ‘Social Reality’ Games

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Ayeah Games announced today it has received a round of funding to make social reality games. Mixing social networking and breaking news, it is described as a variation on the gameplay of FarmVille and Mafia Wars, and is expected to release on Facebook in October.

“Ayeah Games is about real people and real events and capitalizes on the rapid adoption of Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms,”said Levin. “In many ways, Ayeah is building on the immense popularity of existing online gaming environments, which are easy to use and encourage interaction among friends. By adding in the gossip we all love in our daily lives, Ayeah s experience will be even more viral.”

Source: Venture Beat {link no longer active}

PlayStation Bites Into Subway

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Subway restaurants today announced a marketing partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment America. Via this alliance, Subway dinners will offer opportunities to win PlayStation prizes, the total of which will be worth over $1 million.

“This alliance brings Subway consumers another fresh first; the opportunity to experience the new PlayStation Move before anyone else,” said Tony Pace, chief marketing officer of the Subway Franchisee Advertising Fund Trust Ltd. “As a brand that values active lifestyles, Subway is pleased to join PlayStation in the launch its new active gaming platform and offer our fans this exclusive opportunity.”

The collaboration will also produce the Fiery Footlong Frenzy Fueled by PlayStation, with some of the spiciest subs to date, including the new New Turkey Jalapeno Melt and the popular Buffalo Chicken. When customers purchase a 32 oz drink, specially marked SunChips Monterey Jack and Sundried Tomato snacks, and specially marked Subway Breakfast sandwiches, they’ll have a chance to win PlayStation product.

“PlayStation consumers are accustomed to being the first to have access to innovative technology unlike anything on the market,” said Ginger Kraus senior director of brand alliances at Sony Computer Entertainment America. “We are thrilled to team up with Subway in the U.S. to carry on this tradition, and extend the PlayStation experience through strategic partnerships like this that will ultimately benefit fans of both PlayStation and Subway.”

Prizes include Move controller bundles, collector s editions of Gran Turismo 5, LittleBigPlanet 2 and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, Bravia TVs, PSP packs, Bloggie Cameras and more. Consumers who purchase these items in store can participate by entering the codes at SubwayFreshBuzz.com, via mobile device on SubwayFreshBuzz.mobi, or via text message to 87963.

Hulu Preps $2 Billion IPO

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According to sources, Hulu is looking to prepare an initial public offering. While Hulu has run on advertising since the beginning, it only recently started a subscription model of $9.99 a month, a business model some say makes the IPO less than appealing.

“Way too early,” said Todd Dagres, a general partner at Spark Capital. “The jury isn’t back yet on their model. They haven’t proven people will pay. This is not about making money for public investors. I wouldn’t touch it.”

Source: Business Week {link no longer active}

Expendables Beat Up Scott Pilgrim

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The Expendables proved over the weekend that there’s still a lot of demand for over-the top ’80s action. The Sylvester Stallone action flick was number one at the box office over the weekend, taking in $35 million in domestic returns.

Despite a positive reception by critics, geek-fest Scott Pilgrim vs. the World debuted at number five, and only took in $10.5 million. It was beaten out by Eat Pray Love at $23.7 million, The Other Guys with $18 million and Inception at $11.4 million.

Source: MTV

Google Pays For Social Gold

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Confirming earlier rumors, Jambool has announced their purchase by Google. Terms were not disclosed on the deal.

“Our vision is to build world-class products that help developers manage and monetize their virtual economies across the globe,” reads a post by the company founders. “When the opportunity arose to join forces with Google to execute against this vision, we couldn t pass it up. We are thrilled to bring the Social Gold platform to Google s global users. And we invite you our customers, partners, and friends to continue on the journey with us.”

“Over the last few years, we have had the great fortune of working with an incredible team,” they continued. “Every day, we are amazed and humbled by what they have accomplished. We have had terrific support from our partners, investors and advisors; and we are lucky to have worked with each of them. Thank you!”

“As a team, we remain passionate about innovating on behalf of our customers. We aim to deliver the most frictionless, seamless transaction experience inside applications and games on every platform. We are thrilled to be part of Google, and we look forward to the exciting road ahead,” concluded the post.

Source: blog.jambool.com {link no longer active}