Briefs: Realnetworks acquires Euro game company
The Seattle company behind the familiar Real Player made a major move in the online games sector Tuesday with the acquisition of Dutch developer Zylom Media.
RealNetworks' $21 million purchase of Zylom gives the Americans a leadership position in Europe's downloadable casual games market.
"By teaming up with Real, we will be the strongest casual games company in Europe," Zylom Chief Executive Officer Rutger Peters said in a news release. "Our combined strengths will allow us to deliver the very best games and services to our portal and ISP partners throughout the European market."
Zylom offers RealArcade, GameHouse and Mr.Goodliving and currently delivers games through its Web site.
Casual games are generally low-cost diversions designed for single players. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer said one of Zylom's most popular casual offerings is Hotel Solitaire, a slightly glitzier version of the habit-forming computer solitaire card game that can be played by users who are not necessarily skilled in the more-complex games.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International