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April 25, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Report: U.S. Video Game Sales Up 23% to $2.2 Billion in First Quarter
o Online Ad Firm DoubleClick Acquired by Investors for $1.1 Billion
o Wireless Industry Creating Ratings System for Cell Phone Media Content
o Google to Sell Banner Ad Placements on Third-Party Websites

> DMW Announcements:
--Digital Media Conference - June 17, 2005

> Featured Advertisement:
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 

o Briefly Noted: Immersion - Samsung - Verizon, Sony Station Exchange - Mark Jacobs, Square Enix - E3 titles, Sony Computer Entertainment America - "Road to Sunday" - "NBA '06," EA - USC - "The Sims 2 Student Life Movie Contest," Midway Games - "AREA 51," Majesco, Namco - "We Love Katamari," Digital 5 - CinemaNow, Spanish-language MSN Video, MediaZone - 2005 IIHF World Championship, ThankYouGeorge.com, 4th Annual Star Wars Fan Film Awards
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--XML, RSS, Prism - Evolving Standards in the Information Industry
--Inside Sales Representative
--Video Games Producer, MTV.com
--Web Designer/E-Advocate
--Marketing Manager Software Company
--Outside Sales Manager - Digital Distribution of PC Games
--Software Engineer
--Account Executive/Senior Account Executive
--Director Of Marketing
--Business Development Manager
--Manager, Traffic Engineering and Provisioning
--Principal - Project Manager
--Marketing Researcher
--3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005 
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
--iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum
 


o Report: U.S. Video Game Sales Up 23% to $2.2 Billion in First Quarter

Port Washington, N.Y. -- First quarter U.S. video game sales rose 23% over the same period a year ago, to $2.2 billion, while total unit sales climbed 18% to 63 million units, according to a report from market research firm NPD Group. The figures include sales of video game consoles and handhelds, in addition to game software for these platforms. Portable game hardware showed the most growth, rising 162% to $293 million -- fueled by the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP -- while console hardware and software saw more modest gains of 8% and 7%, respectively. Total console software sales exceeded $1 billion. "While we expected to see impressive sales in the portable categories, the fact that all categories saw positive sales growth in terms of both dollars and units is a real testament to the broadening appeal of video games as a form of entertainment," said NPD analyst Anita Frazier. The ten top-selling game titles for the first three months of 2005 included Sony's "Gran Turismo 4" in the top spot, Take-Two's "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," Capcom's "Resident Evil 4" and LucasArts' "Mercenaries."
http://www.npd.com 
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o Online Ad Firm DoubleClick Acquired by Investors for $1.1 Billion

New York -- DoubleClick, a provider of online advertising technology and services, announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement to be acquired and taken private by San Francisco-based private equity firm Hellman & Friedman LLC. DoubleClick shareholders will receive about $1.1 billion, a 10.6% premium over the recent average value of DoubleClick shares. San Diego-based venture capital firm JMI Equity also invested in the acquisition. New York-based DoubleClick said in November that it had hired an advisor to explore a possible sale of the company. "We look forward to partnering with the DoubleClick team to help realize the company's significant opportunities for growth in both its online advertising and marketing and data businesses," said Hellman & Friedman managing director Philip Hammarskjold. Following the deal's closing, expected in the third quarter, DoubleClick CEO Kevin Ryan will step down to pursue other opportunities, and a new chairman and board of directors will be appointed.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050425/nym095.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050425/doubleclick.html 
http://www.doubleclick.com 
http://www.hf.com 
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o Wireless Industry Creating Ratings System for Cell Phone Media Content

Washington -- In a move to head off potential scrutiny from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the wireless industry is developing its own content ratings system that would apply to all multimedia content delivered to cell phones, Reuters reported. The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA), an industry trade group, said it is working with the RIAA, MPAA and Entertainment Software Ratings Board, which assigns video game ratings, to come up with a content classification system -- partly in response to the roll-out of adult wireless content from providers like Playboy, Hustler and Brickhouse Mobile. "The adult side of things has really kick-started it," CTIA vice president Mark Desautels told Reuters. "As indecency becomes an increasing point of interest on the part of policymakers, we really need to be proactive about it… We want to develop more sophisticated filtering tools, so that the ability to filter or to block certain types of content will be another part of the suite of services that carriers seek to provide." The CTIA aims to create a "restricted" category for content not appropriate for those under 18 by the middle of 2005, with a more detailed system coming within a year.
http://tinyurl.com/eyau9 
http://www.ctia.org 
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o Google to Sell Banner Ad Placements on Third-Party Websites

Mountain View, Calif. -- Looking to expand a lucrative online ad business that generated $1.26 billion during the first quarter, Google on Monday began offering advertisers the ability to place multimedia banner ads on third-party websites. A test of the Site Targeting service requires advertisers to bid on the potential audience their ads will reach, like the method used to determine the cost of ads on TV and radio, as opposed to its keyword search ads -- where advertisers only pay when users click on their ads. Advertisers will bid a minimum of $2 to reach 1,000 people using the cost per impression (CPM) system, and will be able to choose which third-party sites their banner ads will appear on. The Site Targeting service is aimed at larger, brand-oriented companies that are more inclined to buy ads with visual impact than text-only ads.
http://tinyurl.com/9jwfl 
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-google25apr25.story 

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>DMW Events:
 



2nd Annual Digital Media Conference
June 17, 2005 | McLean, VA
www.digitalmediaconference.com

Mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Digital Media Conference is set for Friday, June 17, 2005 at the Hilton McLean in Tysons Corner, McLean, Virginia. This is a must-attend event for media, entertainment and technology businesses, educational institutions and government agencies involved in the digital distribution of media, including information, education & entertainment products.

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $195 (until April 30)
Pre-Registration: $295 (until June 1)
Registration:$395 (after June 1)

Register online at: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1101

Phone registration: 323-852-7130


To submit speakers or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact 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:

> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(San Jose, Calif.) Immersion, a developer of touch feedback technology used in game controllers and other devices, on Monday announced the release of the first cell phone to feature its technology, the Samsung SCH-n330 from Verizon Wireless. Immersion's VibeTonz technology produces vibrating sensations in sync with both ringtones from AG Interactive and with game titles such as Pulse Interactive's "Snake Mayhem." Separately, San Jose, Calif.-based Immersion said that mobile game publisher Indiagames has licensed its technology, as has Hong Kong-based Radica Games Limited, which will integrate touch feedback into its game controllers and other accessories.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050425/255538.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050425/255332.html 
http://www.immersion.com/mobility 
http://www.radicagames.com

(Los Angeles) GameDaily.com on Monday published criticism from online game developer Mythic Entertainment's CEO Mark Jacobs, of Sony Online Entertainment's new online auction service for traders of virtual characters and items within its massively multiplayer online games. "I think that not only supporting the sale of in-game characters, items and currency, but also taking a 'cut' of those sales, is not only a mistake but one of the worst decisions in the history of the MMORPG industry," Jacobs told GameDaily.com. "We will gladly 'leave money on the table' to ensure that whether or not you like our games, that they remain as that, games and not an entertainment version of day-trading." Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley responded that "any innovation is bound to have its critics," adding that "Unsanctioned virtual property auctions are now rampant, and will continue to grow whether or not publishers implement their own auction site."
http://biz.gamedaily.com/features.asp?article_id=9464
http://www.stationexchange.com

(Los Angeles) Japanese video game publisher Square Enix on Monday announced the slate of 16 upcoming titles it plans to show at next month's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. Among them are several new titles from its popular "Final Fantasy" franchise, including "Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII"; "Final Fantasy XII"; "Final Fantasy XI Online"; and the mobile game titles "Before Crisis: Final Fantasy VII"; "Final Fantasy II"; and "Final Fantasy VII Snowboarding." Other Square Enix titles on display will include "Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King," "Full Metal Alchemist 2: Curse of the Crimson Elixir," "Kingdom Hearts II," "Radiata Stories," "Romancing SaGa" and "Front Mission Online."
http://www.square-enix-usa.com

(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America on Monday announced that it plans to release the first title in a new football game franchise, "Road to Sunday," for PlayStation 2 this winter. The title will combine a traditional sports game with a fictional storyline that includes off-the-field action like fighting tournaments, gambling and training. Separately, Sony said on Monday that it plans to release "NBA '06" for PlayStation 2 in the fall. The title will support online play and also the EyeToy, Sony's USB camera accessory for PlayStation 2.
http://us.playstation.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Electronic Arts announced on Monday that it has partnered with USC's School of Cinema Television on "The Sims 2 Student Life Movie Contest," which will challenge students to create short films using the in-game moviemaking software contained in EA's "The Sims 2." The company said nearly 7,000 amateur movies have been posted on the game's website since the software was released last fall. The winner of the USC contest will receive their choice of either $5,000 or a four-week associate intern position at EA's Maxis Studio, which created the Sims franchise. Separately, EA said on Monday that it shipped its "NBA Street Showdown" and "FIFA Soccer" titles for the Sony PSP -- both of which were developed at the company's EA Canada studio.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050425/255312.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050425/255211.html 
http://www.thesims2.com

(Chicago) Video game publisher Midway Games on Monday shipped its "AREA 51" title for PlayStation 2 and Xbox to retailers. A PC version will ship on May 23. The sci-fi game features voice talent from actors including David Duchovny, Powers Boothe and Marilyn Manson.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050425/255655.html 
http://www.area51-game.com

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco on Monday introduced a line of titles that feature two games on a single cartridge for Nintendo's Game Boy Advance handheld. The company will release three $19 "Double Packs": "Texas Hold 'Em Poker" and "Golden Nugget Casino"; "Cartoon Network Speedway" and "Cartoon Network Block Party"; and "Monster Trucks" and "Quad Desert Fury."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050425/nym144.html 
http://www.majescogames.com

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Japanese video game developer Namco said it plans to release "We Love Katamari," a sequel to its 2004 title "Katamari Damacy," exclusively for PlayStation 2 later this year.
http://www.namco.com

(Lawrenceville, N.J.) Digital 5, a developer of home media networking software, announced on Monday that it has partnered with CinemaNow, an Internet video-on-demand venture backed by the Hollywood movie studios. Under the deal, New Jersey-based Digital 5's networked streaming technology will allow viewers to stream CinemaNow video content to connected TVs and other devices in their homes.
http://www.digital5.com 
http://www.cinemanow.com

(Redmond, Wash.) Microsoft on Monday launched a Spanish-language version of its MSN Video service, which will offer music videos, news and other entertainment content. The company also said it will host the official site for the 2005 Billboard Latin Music Conference & Awards, to be held on Thursday in Miami.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050425/nym087a.html 
http://latino.msn.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) MediaZone, a webcaster of live sports and other events, announced on Monday that it will provide live webcasts of ice hockey games from the 2005 IIHF World Championship. Broadband users will be able to watch 56 matches between national teams from countries including the U.S., Canada, Sweden and Russia. Redwood City, Calif.-based MediaZone will offer the entire package for $29, or else $4.99 per game.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050425/255334.html 
http://www.mediazone.com/hockey

(Norfolk, Va.) The president of the Official Star Wars/Lucasfilm Fan Club has launched a website, ThankYouGeorge.com, which hopes to collect 1 million signatures honoring director George Lucas, the creator of the saga that has spanned six films and nearly three decades. "We feel it is fitting to pay tribute to him and the momentous completion of the Star Wars saga," said Dan Madsen, whose devotion earned him a cameo role in "Star Wars: Episode One The Phantom Menace."
http://www.thankyougeorge.com

(San Francisco) "Star Wars" director George Lucas awarded a "fan film" -- in which the audience acts out the remainder of the movie when a projector breaks during a screening of "Star Wars" -- top honors at the 4th Annual Star Wars Fan Film Awards, held over the weekend at the Star Wars Celebration III event in Indianapolis. The film's creator, New Yorker Barry Curtis, received a $2,000 prize in addition to a personal video message from George Lucas. Launched in 2002 by short films site AtomFilms and Lucasfilm, the contest encourages devotees to create original films utilizing the plots, imagery and characters from the Star Wars saga. The eight films recognized in the contest are available for viewing at the link below.
http://starwars.atomfilms.com 

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> XML, RSS, Prism - Evolving Standards in the Information Industry

The digital content industry has been helped and hindered by standards for decades and they have proliferated to span the entire content value chain. The list now includes XML and XMP for data & metadata; NewsML and NITF for formatting, and RSS and Atom for distribution to name a few. Moderated panelists discuss on April 28, 11:30 - 1:30. For more info, contact blake@siia.net or go to http://www.siia.net/events/prereg.asp?eventid=443
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> Inside Sales Representative

ON24 is currently experiencing record growth and is conducting a search for a top notch Inside Sales Representative to strategically assist in the development of the inside sales group. The ideal candidate will be a well-respected, driven and proven leader who has the ability to meet sales targets and build relationships with a high-level audience.  Contact jobs@on24.com
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> Video Games Producer, MTV.com

Video Games Producer serves as production team lead for MTV.com's video games area & editorial coverage. Responsible for seamless execution & creative vision for area, including design, editorial & video production, wireframes, func. specs, production sched, resource alloctn, must have 4-8 years of exp building web content for major brands and/or video games content. Ideal: knows MS Visio, HTML editing tools (Homesite) & strong affinity to MTV brand (on-air and online), pc and console, gaming culture.  Contact careers@mtv.com
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> Web Designer/E-Advocate - Alexandria, VA

National non-profit highway safety group seeks Web Designer/Manager of E- advocacy in Alexandria, VA. Experience (3-4 yrs) online journalism or designing and developing websites required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Competitive salary and benefits package including 401k. Email resume to: hiring@go21.org
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> Marketing Manager Software Company

We are seeking a motivated, enthusiastic, flexible person who is upbeat by nature and views themselves as outgoing, yet with a strong eye for detail. Our company works with nationally known partners and is a great small company environment for the right person. Excellent Microsoft Officer skills are a must; HTML skills also required; ability to create HTML marketing materials; excellent written skills; skills in Photoshop and Front Page and other related products, a plus. This job will allow the right candidate to create, monitor and analyze their own marketing campaigns, and manage product strategy and support. We are located near Porter Square T stop. Excellent salary and medical benefits. Please email Carol@kmt.com
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> Outside Sales Manager - Digital Distribution of PC Games

Outside sales for Trymedia, the world's largest digital distribution provider of PC games and DRM technology. Increase distribution of digital PC game catalog, technology, and services to large web sites, portals, ISPs, online networks, and cable providers. Manage entire sales cycle for warm and cold leads. Light travel. Experience: 2 years Internet sales creating affiliate networks. Selling content aggregation and fully managed services in digital media. Strong Rolodex. Email salesjobs@trymedia.com
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> Software Engineer

We are seeking a highly motivated Java software engineer with 3 plus years of programming experience to work in a closely-knit team environment. This engineer will be expected to quickly acclimate to the dynamic environment and be able to take ownership of software development efforts and deliver them within specified time frames. Candidate must possess a positive attitude and be comfortable functioning in a multi-tasking environment. Send resumes to careers@unanet.com
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> Account Executive/Senior Account Executive - Stamford, CT

Environics Communications has an exciting opportunity for a public relations Account Executive / Senior Account Executive with two to six years of experience in an agency or corporate environment. This is a generalist position, though healthcare, technology and corporate communications experience are highly desirable. In addition to demonstrated exceptional media relations skills, the ideal candidate will know how to manage client relationships and work in a fast-paced environment. Visit us at http://www.environicspr.com Send resumes to communicate@environics-usa.com
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> Director Of Marketing

Our client, a very exciting and well funded start-up is looking for a Director of Marketing to develop segmentation and acquisition strategies, work with product development to enhance product offering, define the brand promise, develop strategy to improve the customer experience, and analyze marketing results. Candidate must have 8-10 years of direct marketing experience. Product development and/or brand marketing experience is helpful. If you're interested, please send resume to resumes@hartleyhickey.com.
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> Business Development Manager

This position with the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development Business Investment Team will proactively function as a Business Ambassador to market Loudoun County as a favored business location. Requires any combination of education and exp. equivalent to Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or public administration or related field, and at least three years related professional exp. working with business, civic and elected leaders. This position requires the ability to work non-standard hours to include early mornings, evenings and weekends (Hiring Range: $38,965 - $58,447/yr) Apply immediately Ref # 05-299. Email resumes to hr@loudoun.gov For more info, visit http://www.loudoun.gov or call Human Resources: (703) 777-0213.EOE.
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> Manager, Traffic Engineering and Provisioning - Silver Spring, MD

Discovery Communications, Inc., the leading global real-world media company with an exciting array of TV networks such as Discovery Channel, has an opening for a process oriented manager with min. ten years exp., including exp. managing engineering teams; operational exp. with a range of network and security equipment and internetworking protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and DNS. Apply at http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/careers.html; Job Req#2001. EOE. Apply online at http://www.discovery.com
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> Principal - Project Manager

Using the VALID methodology, the Principal ensures that projects and tasks are clearly delineated and that milestones are met in a timely manner in order to deliver projects on schedule. Require: Project work plan development and project estimation skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Systems Development project management skills including initiation, envision, design/build and deployment requirement phase experience as well as requirements definition, tracking, testing and defect tracking experience. Coaching and mentoring. New opportunity and business development. Send resumes to resume@digitalfocus.com
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> Marketing Researcher

Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) seeks a researcher to develop and maintain a database of companies, conduct research on firms and business markets. Individual must have a BA, be proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Access software, a self-starter, well organized, and with strong written and oral communication skills. Salary $38,000 - $46,000 based on experience. See http://www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org for more details or e- mail resumes with cover letter to resumes@fceda.org by March 31, 2005
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> 3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005

5 Top DHS and DOE CIO's and other insiders confirmed include: Steve Cooper, CIO, Dept. of Homeland Security; Charles Armstrong, CIO, Border Security, DHS; Scott Hastings, CIO, The US-VISIT Program, (which awarded a contract worth up to $10 billion to Accenture), DHS and others. Panel Topics include: DHS Contracting Opportunities, Next Generation Homeland Security and DOD Technologies: Small-Medium Sized Business Opportunities, Homeland Security Contract and Grant Winners: How Your Firm Can Secure DHS Business and more. May 5-6, 2005. Hyatt Crystal City, Arlington VA. For more info or to register visit - http://www.potomactechwire.com/homelandconference2005.html
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> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
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> iPath Technologies, Inc. Adds Juniper Netscreen Training to Curriculum

iPath Technologies, Inc., has added a new offering to its Juniper networking courses entitled Implementing Netscreen Security Gateways. INSG is valuable to network engineers, support personnel, resellers, and others who implement NetScreen products. For the latest course dates and locations, please visit http://www.ipath.net For information contact training@ipath.net
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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.

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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Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger


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