DEC. 4, 2008 • With hopes of becoming the third-largest video game market after the U.S. and Japan, the South Korean government has pledged to invest W350 billion ($264 million) into its computer game industry through the year 2012. Noting that the Korean game industry reached its $1 billion export goal two y.....

DEC. 2, 2008 • SCi filed an application in the United Kingdom with the Registrar of Companies to change its name to its game publishing subsidiary, Eidos. Impact: Although a long-term player in game publishing, the SCi brand has never had the same cachet in the marketplace as it competitors. Although Eidos has had its ups and downs, that label has a much more marketable reputation. Rebranding as your most valuable asset could mean a .....

DEC. 1, 2008 • The Dungeon Keeper PC game by Peter Molyneux was licensed from Electronic Arts Asia Pacific by China’s NetDragon Websoft.  The latter intends to create an MMO based on the franchise called Dungeon Keeper Online, which will initially be released in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macao. .....

NOV. 16, 2008 • Canada’s largest independent developer, A2M, has acquired Chilean developer Wanako Games from Activision Blizzard. Wanako specializes in downloadable games such as Assault Heroes 2, and 3D Ultra Mini Golf 2. The acquisition immediately adds downloadable content expertise to A2M’s skill base. Impact: Wanako Games was actually acquired by Vivendi Games in early 2007 when the company was trying to launch a c.....

NOV. 6, 2008 • DFC Intelligence has always argued that there are two major appeals of online games: 1) the ability of online games to directly generate significant revenue and 2) online features as the indirect driver of business through building a community, extending product lifecycle and enhancing consumer loyalty. With the Xbox Live, Microsoft has clearly been focused on making the service a direct revenue generator. In addition to the annual subscription required to play games, Xbox Li.....

OCT. 31, 2008 • During a financial conference call, Electronic Arts chief executive John Riccitiello said the publisher intends to invest $150 million into its digital distribution and online games business. EA will shed six percent of it work force to save $50 million. For the fiscal second quarter ending Sept. 30, EA’s net loss grew to $310 million from $195 million for the same period in 2007. Impact: Clearly Electronic Art.....