A Glimmer Of Hope Amid VC Drought: Gaming Startups
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As VCs have tightened their belts over the past year, digital media entrepreneurs have struggled to get funding. Still, if the past couple days are any indication, investor interest in gaming remains is as vibrant as ever. OMGPOP raised $5 million on Tuesday; SuperSecret raised $10 million earlier today; RotoHog announced it has raised $2 Million from Mission Ventures and DFJ Dragon, bringing its total raised to date to $8 million; and Blade Games World announced a $4 million first round.
SEE ALSO: Tween Gaming Company SuperSecret Raises $10 Million
The common thread among these investments is that they’re all PC-based online games with strong social components. “Casual” gaming companies already appeal to investors because they cost less to make than most console titles, and VC’s have been bullish on social gaming because of the multiple revenue streams: micro-transactions, virtual goods and advertising.
More after the jump
RotoHog’s fantasy-sports angle could be quite lucrative: eMarketer said brands spent about $150 million on ads and sponsorships of fantasy sports sites in 2006, a number that has likely risen; there are also subscription revenues, since players often pay to run their fantasy leagues. SuperSecret has the virtual-goods angle, and while tweens will pay to customize their avatars, advertisers will also pay to launch free, branded merchandise in-world. OMGPOP has relied on advertising and virtual goods; it says it plans it expand into subscriptions as well.
@GeekyChic
Mar 11, 2009 12:48 PM ET
Posted In: Entertainment, Games, Money, M&A & Venture Capital, Venture Capital
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