RealNetworks to Spin Off Games Business

RealNetworks announced today during their quarterly report that it plans to spin of its games business into a separate company, with the possibility of an initial public offering.

RealNetworks is a leader in the casual games industry worldwide, with a vertically integrated development, publishing, licensing, distribution and retail business. Their games business started on the PC but over the years has expanded into mobile as well, where they are now a top 10 mobile game publisher in the US.

In the first quarter of 2008, RealNetworks' (NASDAQ:RNWK) games business revenue rose 33% from the first quarter of 2007 to $31.8 million. For 2007, games revenue was $108.5 million, up 26% over 2006.

"RealNetworks was a pioneer and has been a leader in the casual games industry since we introduced RealArcade in 2001," said RealNetworks Chief Executive Rob Glaser in a news release. "We believe that spinning off our casual games business will give it the best opportunity to continue to flourish and lead."

The company anticipates that spinning off its casual games business will result in two more flexible and focused companies. In addition, the separation will provide the games business an "industry-specific currency" for future acquisitions and enhance its ability to attract and retain the best talent in the industry.

RealNetworks Announces the Worldwide Launch of 'South Park' 'Imaginationland' Mobile Game

COMEDY CENTRAL Mobile, a division of MTVN Entertainment Group, and RealArcade Mobile, a division of digital entertainment services company RealNetworks Inc. (Nasdaq: RNWK), announced today the launch of the new "South Park" "Imaginationland" mobile game. Based on COMEDY CENTRAL's hugely popular "South Park" "Imaginationland" trilogy, in which the doors of the world's imagination are thrown wide open and the boys of South Park are transported to a magical realm in their greatest odyssey ever. The mobile game will be available cross carrier and on a variety of handsets including the iPhone, and various Windows Mobile and Blackberry mobile devices. COMEDY CENTRAL Mobile and RealArcade Mobile plan to release the "South Park" "Imaginationland" game worldwide in June.

The player's mission in the "South Park" "Imaginationland" mobile game is to take on Butters' massive job to rescue the world in three arenas (Happy Imaginationland, Evil Imaginationland and The Battle for Imaginationland). The quest begins with the Mayor teaching the player how to bounce high by using his imagination. The player must utilize his bouncing skills to collect items and accomplish missions inside an allotted time limit. As the player accomplishes more missions, Butters gains extra imagination power to restore Imaginationland from the grasp of evil. "South Park" "Imaginationland" mobile game has more than 60 mind-blowing levels.

This is the second "South Park" mobile game made in cooperation with RealArcade Mobile, which publishes casual game hits from the PC onto mobile handsets and portable devices. RealArcade Mobile has created more than 40 mobile games supporting more than 800 handsets for wireless carriers around the world.

You can try out the first South Park game on your phone, by downloading a free trial at BustedThumbs.

Grey's Anatomy Mobile Game

Fans of Grey's Anatomy who like to play games will be excited to hear that Gameloft, a top publisher of mobile games, is bringing Grey’s Anatomy: The Mobile Game to casual gamers and fans alike.

I tried to buy the game today by texting “GREY” to shortcode 82174, but unfortunately it's not available for my Samsung ZX-10. (Note: I know my phone is old. I am anxiously awaiting a new device that is supposed to show up next week.)

So, I haven't played it yet, but Gameloft's release has this to say:

Featuring rendered environments that faithfully replicate the set of the show, Grey’s Anatomy: The Mobile Game will allow players to live through the series’ most intense moments and see them through the eyes of the characters. Play as Meredith and meet Izzie, George, Cristina or Alex and experience their storylines in an adventure especially created for you to enjoy in the palm of your hand.

This is not the first "TV game" published by Gameloft. They've also developed mobile games for TV shows, Heroes and CSI Miami. Other mobile game publishers have followed their lead, including Limelife with Top Chef Challenge and RealArcade with The Apprentice.

I haven't seen any reviews of Grey's Anatomy: The Mobile Game, but Gameloft's products are usually well done, so if you're a fan of the show, check it out.