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February 26, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Sony Delays Launch of PSP Handheld Game Device Until 2005
o Game Developer Majesco Raises $22.5 Million in Private Placement
o Norwegian Browser Maker Opera Releases Details of Upcoming IPO
o T-Mobile, Sony Music Partner on Intl. Mobile Music Distribution
o Actor Vin Diesel Launches Game Publishing Label Tigon Studios
o AOL, Cartoon Network Launch Contest for Online Game Developers
o ActiveCore Sells Mobile Game Division to SilverBirch for $1.75 Million


 > DMW Announcements
 --DMW Events
   -Digital Music Forum -
Last week for Registration (Almost Sold Out!)
   -Games & Mobile Forum

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Digital Media Law Report
 --PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 

o Briefly Noted: AOL - James Patterson, Sohu.com - NEC, Macrovision - Boonty, Midway Games - Sammy Sosa, Electronic Arts - Black Hole Games - Ultima, Critical Mass Interactive - "Sword of Dracula," CinemaNow - ABC News

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
 --
HireStrategy - Financial Manager
 --Senior Manager, Corporate Public Affairs - Washington, DC
 --
Advertising Services CFO
 --Sr. Accountant
 --Director of Finance 
 --Product Manager
 --PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 --Reach Federal Contractors Selling Technologies for Homeland Security
 --IT Perm and Contract Placement Services
 --Participate in the NJTC - Rutgers Business Climate Survey 
 


o Sony Delays Launch of PSP Handheld Game Device Until 2005

Tokyo -- Sony Corp. has announced that it will not release its new PSP portable video game device in the U.S. in time for the 2004 holiday shopping season, instead opting to ship the PSP some time in the first quarter of 2005. Sony confirmed that the device will still launch this year in Japan, but will also delay the PSP's launch in Europe until 2005. "In order to ensure that the launch time frame is well supported, we want to allow developers and publishers sufficient time to optimize content for our new portable-entertainment platform," Sony spokeswoman Teresa Weaver told News.com. Analysts said the delay may benefit Nintendo, which plans to launch its own new portable handheld game, the dual-screened Nintendo DS, by the end of the year.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B2A441A87 
http://news.com.com/2100-1043-5165265.html
_____________________________________________

o Game Developer Majesco Raises $22.5 Million in Private Placement

Edison, N.J. -- ConnectivCorp, the parent company of video game developer and publisher Majesco, announced that it has raised $25.8 million in a private placement of its shares with a group of investors. The company also expects to close shortly on an additional $1.1 million in proceeds, and said total net proceeds after deducting the fees and other expenses related to the financing will be approximately $22.5 million. New Jersey-based Majesco's current titles include "BloodRayne," which will soon become a feature-length film; upcoming releases include "Advent Rising" and "Bomberman Jetters."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040225/255673_1.html 
http://www.majescosales.com
_____________________________________________

o Norwegian Browser Maker Opera Releases Details of Upcoming IPO

Oslo -- Opera, a Norway-based developer of Internet browser technology that competes with Internet Explorer, Netscape and Mozilla, released full details of its planned initial public offering (IPO) on Thursday. The privately held company will launch on the Oslo Stock Exchange on March 11, issuing between 12.5 and 16.1 million shares with an indicative price range between $1.13-1.41, valuing Opera at between $27.5-39.5 million. Industry experts say Opera's IPO could be the first of many hi-tech flotations this year, a reversal that surely will be welcomed by the European technology sector after a nearly three-year IPO drought. Opera's subscription period will close March 10, the company said.
http://www.opera.com/pressreleases/en/2004/02/26/
____________________________________________

o T-Mobile, Sony Music Partner on Intl. Mobile Music Distribution

New York -- Wireless network operator T-Mobile and Sony Music announced on Thursday an international mobile music partnership that will bring music from Sony artists to the cell phones of T-Mobile subscribers in the U.S. and Europe. Under the agreement, T-Mobile will be able to distribute $1.99 HiFi Ringers -- featuring actual clips of song recordings -- from Sony artists including Beyonce, John Mayer and Nas, in addition to polyphonic MIDI tones, artist voice ringers and wallpaper images. The companies will also collaborate on "Artist Packs," each incorporating multiple artist-related mobile offerings.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040226/265181_1.html 
http://www.sonymusic.com 
http://www.t-mobile.com
____________________________________________

o Actor Vin Diesel Launches Game Publishing Label Tigon Studios

Los Angeles -- Actor Vin Diesel ("XXX," "Iron Giant") has announced the launch of his own video game publishing firm, Tigon Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Former Fox Interactive game producer Cos Lazoura will serve as CEO of Tigon, which will publish games from third-party developers. The studio's first title will be "The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay," based on the upcoming film from Universal Studios starring Diesel, who will also contribute his likeness and voice talent to the game. The title will be developed by Sweden-based Starbreeze, also responsible for the game "Enclave."
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com 
http://www.thechroniclesofriddick.com ____________________________________________

o AOL, Cartoon Network Launch Contest for Online Game Developers

Atlanta -- Time Warner subsidiaries AOL and Cartoon Network on Thursday announced a contest that will let a video game developer create an online game for CartoonNetwork.com. The "Project Goldmaster" contest will be offered in conjunction with the Independent Games Festival, which will determine ten finalists from which Cartoon Network will choose a winner. The winner will then develop a game based on a Cartoon Network property such as "Codename: Kids Next Door," "The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy" or "Samurai Jack." Development of the title will be chronicled in an online AOL Journal, which will post video vignettes, early storyboards, screen images and interviews with the game-makers for AOL members.
http://media.aoltimewarner.com/media/press_view.cfm?release_num=55253815
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com 
http://www.igf.com
____________________________________________

o ActiveCore Sells Mobile Game Division to SilverBirch for $1.75 Million

Toronto -- ActiveCore Technologies announced on Thursday that it has sold its mobile game development division to 1607590 Ontario Limited for $1.75 million. 1607590 Ontario Limited will immediately change its name to SilverBirch Studios. ActiveCore Technologies will retain an initial 5% equity holding in the new company with a right to participate in further equity raising to maintain its ownership level. SilverBirch Studios will be headed by Kevin Birch, who resigned from ActiveCore in connection with the transaction.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040226/nyth028_1.html 
http://www.activecore.com 
http://www.silverbirchstudios.com

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 > DMW Events:

4th Annual Digital Music Forum

March 1, 2004 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

 

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Sean Ryan - VP, Music Services, Real Networks
Jonathan Potter - Executive Dir., Digital Media Association

FEATURED INTERVIEW/Q&A
Steven Marks - General Counsel,
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS

Chris Amenita - SVP, ASCAP
Amy Bernstein -
Senior Editor, Business 2.0

Derek Broes - EVP, Worldwide Operations,
Altnet
David Card - VP & Research Director, Jupiter Research
Scott Cohen - Co-Founder & President, The Orchard Global Media

Ted Cohen - SVP, Digital Development & Distribution, EMI Music

Peter Csathy - COO, MusicMatch

David Del Beccaro - President & CEO, Music Choice

Maureen Dorney - Partner, Gray Cary
Roy Elkins - CEO & Founder, Broadjam
Mark Frieser - CEO & Founder, Consect
Eric Garland - CEO, Big Champagne
Brian Garrity - Senior Editor, Billboard Magazine
Tom Gensch - VP, Content & Distribution, PaymentOne

Laura Goldberg - COO, Napster

Jim Griffin - CEO, Cherry Lane Digital
Ellie Hirschhorn - GM & EVP, MusicNet
Jeff Howe - Contributing Editor, Wired Magazine
David Hyman - Chief Strategy Officer, Gracenote
Jack Isquith, Executive Director of Music Industry Relations, AOL Music
Scott Kauffman - President & CEO, MusicNow (formerly FullAudio)
David Kusek - VP, Berklee Media, Berklee College of Music
Tim Nilson - VP, Mobile Technology, Sony Music
Daniel Porter - VP, Bus. Dev., Be Music / BMG Music Service
Larry Rebich - VP of Program Acquisition & Market Dev., SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Mike Rich - Executive Director of Programming, AOL Music

Tim Riley - Worldwide Executive of Music, Activision
Perry Solomon - Founder & VP, Strategy, Peppercoin
Bob Struble - President & CEO, Ibiquity Digital
Nikke Slight - SVP, New Media, Atlantic Records
Nada Usina - GM, Entertainment & Media Business, Nokia America
Jon Vlassopulos - Sr. Dir., Bus. Dev., AT&T Wireless Mobile Multimedia

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This year's forum focuses on the following questions:

- Is there a viable business model for selling music online? 
- Can licensed services compete with free downloads from file-sharing networks? 
- Who will be the winners and the losers in the world of online music sales? 
- What is the status of pending lawsuits and legislation concerning digital copyrights? Can the music industry profit from legitimate uses of P2P?
- How are consumers reacting to new formats for music delivery?
- Will new formats generate the kind of success that the industry experienced with CDs during the '80s and '90s? 
- What are the challenges and opportunities for music industry executives seeking to maximize the potential of the mobile market?
- What does the future hold for satellite and Internet radio?

For complete agenda and event details, please go to: www.digitalmusicforum.com

REGISTRATION
Registration: $395

Online :  http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1056
Phone: 323-464-0793




2nd
Annual
GAMES & MOBILE FORUM

April 15
, 2004  |  New York City
www.gamesandmobile.com

Overview
Games & Mobile Forum is 1-day executive forum focused on business and technology developments impacting games and mobile entertainment.  In 2003, leading executives from entertainment and technology companies including, Yahoo! Games, AOL Games, Atari,  Acclaim, Warner Bros. Online, AtomShockwave, CNET, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Endeavor Agency, Mythic Entertainment and Digital Bridges participated in a series of panels on topics, including "Mobile Games: The Coming Wireless Revolution", "Developing Games Based on Film, Television & Music Properties and Visa-Versa"", and "Advergames: Recent Developments & Opportunities".

REGISTRATION
Early Bird Special: $ 195 (until March 12)
Pre-Registration: $ 295 (until April 9)
Registration: $ 395 (after April 9)

Online :  http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1060 
Phone: 323-464-0793

To submit speakers for the 2004 conference, please send a bio and photo (optional) to Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.


Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

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> Featured Advertisement: 

Digital Media Law Report
New Featured Section - Volume 1 - 2004

We are pleased to announce that we have added a "Featured Section" to Digital Media Law & Policy Report. This month's featured coverage includes reports on the oral arguments held before the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in MGM v. Grokster and a "Post-Conference Report" from MidemNet 2004. We will use this section to provide in depth coverage of certain cases, events and policy developments each month. Subscriptions - Order

Available Now - Volume 1 - 2004 Report - 30 pages - Order



 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Dulles, Va.) America Online on Thursday said it has partnered with suspense novel author James Patterson to promote his works and give fans exclusive online content from the writer. Features will include a sneak peek of chapters from Patterson's upcoming novel "3rd Degree," interviews, message boards and fan polls. Patterson will also author a blog-type AOL Journal, which will be written in the voice of a character from another upcoming novel, "London Bridges."
http://media.aoltimewarner.com/media/press_view.cfm?release_num=55253809 
http://www.jamespatterson.com

(Beijing) Chinese Internet portal Sohu.com announced on Thursday that it has partnered with mobile Internet developer NEC to distribute cell phone ringtones to the Chinese market. Sohu will distribute NEC ringtones through its SMS and MMS channels, accessible to subscribers of wireless carriers China Mobile and China Unicom.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040226/hkth003_1.html 
http://www.sohu.com

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Macrovision, a provider of copy-protection and digital rights management technologies for DVDs, CD, games and other media, said on Thursday that European online gaming platform provider Boonty will use its services. Boonty will use Santa Clara, Calif.-based Macrovision's technology to protect against piracy of downloadable video games it supplies to Internet portals and online services including Yahoo Europe, T-Online, Wanadoo, Tiscali and Virgin.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040226/265167_1.html 
http://www.boonty.com 
http://www.macrovision.com

(Chicago) Midway Games said on Thursday that its Midway Games unit will release "MLB SlugFest: Loaded" for PlayStation 2 and Xbox in June. Chicago Cubs slugger Sammy Sosa was signed as cover athlete for the title, which will feature online elements including tournaments, voice chat and a ticker of real-time baseball stats from MLB.com.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040226/265020_1.html 
http://www.midway.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Electronic Arts said on Thursday that it has signed an agreement with game development studio Black Hole Games, to publish the company's "Armies of Exigo" PC game in the fall of 2004. Black Hole Games was launched by a unit of movie production firm Cinergi Pictures Entertainment ("Total Recall," "Terminator 3"). Redwood City, Calif.-based Electronic Arts separately announced that development has begun on the next expansion pack for its "Ultima Online" massively multiplayer online game, which will be released in the fall of 2004. In light of media reports saying EA will shutter Austin-based Origin Systems, developer of the Ultima franchise, the company confirmed its commitment to developing "Ultima X: Odyssey," an entirely new title for the franchise.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040226/265191_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040225/255981_1.html
http://www.origin.ea.com

(Austin) Video game developer Critical Mass Interactive said on Thursday that it has acquired the rights to develop games based on Image Comics' series "Sword of Dracula," created by Jason Henderson.
http://www.jasonhenderson.com 
http://www.criticalmassinteractive.com

(Marina del Rey, Calif.) In an effort to branch out from its library of films, CinemaNow, a provider of Internet-based video-on-demand, on Thursday announced a licensing agreement with ABC News to make several TV programs available for purchase and download. Content featured will include Diane Sawyer's interview with Mel Gibson regarding "The Passion of The Christ," "Saddam Hussein: Captured" and "Peter Jennings: The Kennedy Assassination, Beyond Conspiracy."
http://www.cinemanow.com

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> Classifieds:

> HireStrategy - Financial Manager

Join a progressive health care firm seeking an analyst to assist with valuation and due diligence of health care clinics to assist with corporate growth initiatives. The right candidate must have four plus years of experience with a Big-4 background and exposure to modeling in Excel, or a Wall Street background with exposure to generating discounted cash flows. The manager will oversee a team of five analysts, while providing hands-on deal support. If interested please email resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com  or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire170.asp
___________________ 

> Senior Manager, Corporate Public Affairs - Washington, DC

Come work with a dynamic and talented team committed to providing the industry's best online grassroots and constituent management applications. Applicant will be responsible for managing the entire sales cycle from lead generation, to account strategy, to closing; should have demonstrated experience and success selling software or services to government relations, public affairs and/or public relations professionals; or have significant agency experience working with Fortune 1000 companies. Send resumes to salesjob@getactive.com
___________________ 

> Advertising Services CFO

Our client, a leading New England based Advertising Agency, is seeking a CFO. All candidates must have Financial Services experience working within a creative driven marketing services firm. Also, all candidates require a CPA and at least 10 plus years of professional experience. This marketing services firm has roughly 200 people and three, multi-state satellite offices. The CFO will have financial responsibilities for all and a small team of reports. This position is located in New England, not Boston, and will require 100% company paid relocation. Send resumes to info@market-search.net
___________________ 

> Sr. Accountant

Support the CFO of fast-growing, Information Technology firm in Silver Spring. Responsibilities: A/R and A/P; monthly financial forecasts and cash flow statements; bank reconciliations; benchmarking and other financial analysis; financial presentations; and administrative accounting support. Required: B.S. in Accounting or Finance, demonstrated exp. in Excel. Knowledge of QuickBooks, past exp. in government accounting environments a plus; CPA preferred. Starts PT March 1, transitions to FT April 1. Competitive compensation pkg. w/ great benefits. Send resume to info@e-mcinc.com
___________________ 

> Director of Finance

Supervise an effective system of internal accounting controls and safeguarding of assets. Establish/Understand company-wide budgets and forecasts and oversee implementation among departments. Prepare and oversee Irides accounting and financial reporting including: gl, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit and collections, payroll, fixed assets, budgeting, bank account and balance sheet account reconciliation. Provide accounting and analytical support to the COO and other members. Comply with corporate policies and procedures. Send resumes to jobs@irides.com  No calls please.
___________________ 

> Product Manager

Top Tier Software Manufacturer, based in New York looking for experienced Product Manager for the Princeton, NJ, Manhattan or Lisle, IL locations. Define and manage product strategy and requirements for mainframe Performance Management solutions. Perform market research, competitive intelligence and analysis. Work with Development to plan product release deliverables. 4+ years Mainframe Performance Management experience. Strong mainframe(z/OS) configuration and performance tuning skills. Experience with product life cycle. Send resumes to fgreene@lloydit.com
___________________

> PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook

Purchase the book every entertainment and media executive must have. The PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2003-2007 analyzes key trends and forecasts spending in the U.S. and Canada across 14 industry segments, including a Global Overview that forecasts spending and analyzes trends worldwide (also sold separately). More Information
___________________

> Reach Federal Contractors Selling Technologies for Homeland Security

The 2003-2004 Directory of Homeland Security has complete listings for 532 companies selling technologies and services devoted to homeland defense. Nearly all major federal contractors are included in the section, which includes company names, key personnel, addresses, phone and fax numbers, urls, annual revenues, number of employees, business sector, general descriptions and homeland security relevance. To order the 2003-2004 edition, click here.
___________________

> IT Perm and Contract Placement Services

Technical Staffing Solutions specializes in recruiting the hard to find candidates with or with high level DoD security clearances. We can provide your firm with solutions ranging from 1 permanent employee to a team of consultants for the duration of your short/long term engagement. Send inquiries to skearnes@techstaffsolutions.com or call 703-451-3882 for more information.
___________________ 

> Participate in the NJTC - Rutgers Business Climate Survey

The New Jersey Technology Council and Rutgers University School of Business at Camden are conducting their fourth semi-annual survey to measure the economic health of the technology industry in the region. Please take a few moments to complete the brief questions at the below link. Survey closes 2/29. Send inquiries to pfrank@njtc.org  Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=70772368163

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About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals. To subscribe for free, please click here.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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Editor: Mark Hefflinger

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