Intel invested in social games studio CrowdStar.

MAY 23, 2011 • Intel Capital, the global investment group for Intel Corp., announced $25.5 million in four U.S. investments to drive continued innovation in computing. Firms receiving the investment capital include CrowdStar, a developer of social games on Facebook and mobile platforms; iStreamPlanet, a provider of live Web broadcast management and automated video workflow; Music Mastermind, an indie entertainment and technology company; and PerspecSys, a cloud data security provider.

Impact: When it comes to getting consumers to spend money on computing power, digital entertainment is a key driver.  Often the only reason to upgrade to a new hardware device is the ability to get faster video, better graphics, improved connectivity etc.  Thus it makes sense for a company like Intel to help fund the content product line.  The more killer applications that are developed the more content that will be powered by Intel technology.