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April 25, 2005 --
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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
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
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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
_____________________________________________
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
____________________________________________
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
____________________________________________
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
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Sponsorship Materials
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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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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.
_________________
> 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.
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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.
_________________
> 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.
Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information
Executive & Editorial Team
Chief
Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Contact Us
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Copyright 2005 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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