MTV to invest £250m in developing computer games

LONDON - MTV Networks, owned by Viacom, is planning to spend over $500m (£250m) in developing and distributing video games linked to its entertainment properties around the world over the next two years.

The company said gaming is the focal point of its entertainment strategy but analysts say the investment is risky as the industry has a high failure rate.

Judy McGrath, MTV chief executive, said: "As we take our brands narrow and deep to serve our targeted, niche audiences, we're putting well over $500m behind building our games business across all of the brands in our portfolio.

"I'd like to see more game applications on some of our current big brands across the music group."

MTV is focused on developing three primary gaming experiences, including: online and mobile casual games that appeal to kids, young adults and women; games media and editorial content for the serious gamers among its young adult and adult male audiences; and console and handheld games for kids, young adults and men.

But Michael Pachter, analyst at Wedbush Morgan, warned that the gaming industry was a difficult market.

He said: "Media companies are crazy trying to bring video-game development in house. They act like anyone can do this. The fact is not everyone can."

MTVN's current gaming websites include Nickarcade.com, Neopets, Shockwave.com and AddictingGames, which draw hundreds of millions of gameplays each month.

Across all its game-related sites, MTVN recorded more than 42m unique visitors globally in June, up 20% from December, according to comScore Media Metrix.

The company has just partnered with mobile operator Nokia to bring Shockwave's portfolio of Flash Lite mini-games to Nokia handsets.

The agreement is designed to provide consumers with a quick and fun gaming experience on their mobile. Twenty games will be made available initially, including Downhill Train and Happy Hours.

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