InsideSocialGames is a respected source of industry news on social gaming, making it a clear target for our client, Moblyng Games.  Moblyng Games just released its latest cross-platform game for Facebook and smartphones.  Here’s some of Inside Social Games’ take:

Though there are mobile games using elements such as Facebook Connect already, m:Vampire will be one of the first games to run on this many platforms and still have players interacting together. Currently, Vampire is only available on Facebook and Android, but according to the company, it is utilizing the software used in previous titles such as Dungeon Quest and m:Mafia. This means that porting this particular game only really takes a couple of days.

You can check out the entire article here.

Huxley: The Dystopia, the Unreal Engine 3-based massively multi-player online first-person shooter, came out of hiding with NHN USA’s back-to-back press briefings at GDC 2009.  Click on the links here for some of the highlights:

GameSpot, March 26

Destructoid.com, March 27

G4TV X-Play, March 27

Game Informer, March 27

IGN PC, March 27

1UP.com, March 28

GamesRadar, April 1

IRVINE, Calif. – Feb. 3, 2009 – Online gaming and anime fans around the world will soon have a new destination for sharing their passions, meeting friends and experiencing numerous forms of distinctive interactive entertainment. Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a leading video game publishing company, today announced the inception of a new online division with plans to launch a game portal dedicated to providing a community-driven, quality content-focused entertainment hub with an emphasis on online games and anime. Atlus Online, referring to both the new online division and portal, promises to go beyond the traditional online game model by offering community members a content-rich, reward-driven platform for social interaction. 

“Atlus has long wanted to create an online portal that would become the daily destination for anyone looking for a fresh and engaging online entertainment experience,” said Shinichi Suzuki, president and CEO, Atlus.  “Atlus Online will emerge as an extremely user-focused destination that is fully accessible to each and every one of its members.  From amazing games to play to exciting contests, exceptional content and great community interaction, we are convinced that Atlus Online will be a premiere interactive entertainment destination for online gamers and anime fans alike.”

At the helm of Atlus Online is a team of respected industry veterans who bring their expertise to the new division and portal. Spearheading the venture is Director of Online Games Tyler Kim, who has a decade of experience in the digital media and content industry with K2 Network, ArenaNet and GoPets, as well as a number of publishers and developers in South Korea. Head of Business Operations Jamie Ortiz spent the last four years working on Atlus’ critically acclaimed console titles, including the Shin Megami Tensei®: Persona® and Trauma Center® series. They are joined by Jun Hyun Kim, Atlus Online’s head of game operations, formerly the chief operating officer of Webzen America, and Online Project Manager Kevin Crawford, who produced K2 Network’s flagship title Knight Online.

As an immediate example of its unmatched commitment to community, Atlus Online is encouraging fans to be among the first to pre-register for the upcoming portal. Once the site goes live, registered members can interact with community managers and provide feedback that will help shape the way the online destination evolves.

In addition, registrants will be granted early access to the portal’s as-of-yet-unannounced first online game. The division will launch services globally, with the site’s games operating on a hybrid subscription model that is supported by multiple payment options.

Gamers and anime fans looking for additional information about Atlus Online, or eager to be among the first to receive information on its debut product, can visit http://www.atlusonline.com.

About Atlus Online

Atlus Online is the online interactive entertainment division of Atlus U.S.A., Inc., a publisher of compelling video games for a variety of platforms, including Nintendo DS™, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™, Xbox 360®, and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system. Founded in 2008, Atlus Online was created to provide online gamers and anime fans around the world with an entertainment and community destination like no other.  The online entertainment division is dedicated to providing a portal, Atlus Online, with unmatched levels of community involvement and interaction, with community members driving the very direction of the site and its content.  More information can be found at http://www.atlusonline.com/.

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LOS ANGELES – Dec. 4, 2008 – Hotel for Dogs, the video game based on the upcoming feature film, “Hotel For Dogs” from DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies, will jump, sit and stay in North America in January 2009 – good dog!  Coming to the Nintendo® Wii, Nintendo DS™ and Windows-based PC, Hotel for Dogs features the likenesses and voices of the movie’s two young stars, Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin.  And, of course, lots and lots of dogs.

In the Hotel for Dogs videogame, players enter the old hotel to help two siblings, Andi and Bruce, feed and entertain an adorable collection of canines by building amazing gadgets, playing with the pooches and keeping the dogs happy in their new hotel home.  Navigating through 10 levels of fun and challenging game play, players must accomplish various goals to keep their beloved canines healthy and amused.  Players will even explore the areas outside of the hotel as they attempt to locate and rescue additional pups in need of some major TLC.

Distributed by Paramount Pictures, the live-action “Hotel for Dogs” stars Emma Roberts, Jake T. Austin, Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon and Don Cheadle in a smart, funny comedy adventure that shows how far love and imagination can take you. When their new guardians forbid 16-year old Andi (Roberts) and her younger brother, Bruce (Austin), to have a pet, Andi has to use her quick wit to help find a new home for their dog, Friday.  The resourceful kids stumble upon an abandoned hotel and, using Bruce’s talents as a mechanical genius, transform it into a magical dog-paradise for Friday – and eventually for all of Friday’s friends.  When barking dogs make the neighbors suspicious, Andi and Bruce use every invention they have to avoid anyone discovering “who let the dogs in.”

“We expect this to be a strong holiday season for family-friendly video games, and Hotel for Dogs is a terrific game for kids of all ages,” said Jeremy Barnett, vice president of marketing and business development, 505 Games (U.S.).  “Hotel for Dogs is great entertainment on the big screen, and we’re excited to have kids bring the ‘Dogs’ home to play with their friends and families on their smaller screens.”

Published by 505 Games (U.S.), Hotel for Dogs will be available at retail in North America on Jan. 6, 2009, just before the movie hits theaters.  Additional information about the game is available at http://www.hotelfordogsthegame.com/.

About 505 Games (U.S.)

Based in Los Angeles, 505 Games (U.S.) is the North American division of 505 Games, a global videogame publisher. The U.S. operations launched in May 2008 to bring quality interactive entertainment to North America on all game platforms, including Microsoft Xbox 360g, Sony PlayStation, 2, PlayStation  3, PSP, Nintendo Wii  and DS, as well as PC, online and mobile.  The company’s management team hails from the leaders in global entertainment, including major motion picture studios, videogame publishers and leading game development studios. With the company’s deep experience and proven success in interactive entertainment worldwide, 505 Games is looking to drive the industry forward with innovative game experiences that integrate next-generation game play, immersive stories and integrated brands that can take the business to a new level.  The company offers a broad selection of videogame titles in all genres for players of all ages.

About Paramount Digital Entertainment

Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) is a division of Paramount Pictures Corporation. PDE develops and distributes filmed entertainment across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices, videogames, virtual worlds and emerging technologies.

Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands.  The company’s labels include Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, MTV Films and Nickelodeon Movies.  PPC operations also include Paramount Digital Entertainment, Paramount Famous Productions, Paramount Home Entertainment, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., Paramount Studio Group, and Worldwide Television Distribution. 

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LOS ANGELES – Nov. 12, 2008 – TRITTON Technologies, a leader in gaming audio technology, and Harcos, the creator of Mana Energy Potion, the premium energy shot made by gamers for gamers, have  tapped Wonacott Communications, a full-service boutique public relations and integrated communications agency, to head their product public relations efforts in North America.

TRITTON Technologies, a manufacturer and creator of high-performance consumer electronics and computer peripheral products, chose Wonacott Communications to help promote the company’s deep line of consumer electronics and gaming peripherals, including the new flagship 3D directional gaming headset – the AX Pro.

 Harcos, a company founded by two gamer geeks, has found a niche at the intersection where gaming and consumer products merge with Mana Energy Potion,  a premium energy shot that packs a powerful dose of vitamins and delivers up to eight hours of smooth energy without sugar or an aftercrash.  Harcos has tapped Wonacott Communications to help further publicize the company and its products, including an upcoming to-be-announced new Mana Energy Potion product.

“We are really excited to be working with two incredibly creative companies that each have unique products to meet the discerning tastes of hardcore and casual gamers alike,” said Jason Wonacott, CEO, Wonacott Communications.  “TRITTON Technologies and Harcos both create extraordinarily cool products that gamers love.  Heck – the AX Pro and Mana Energy Potion samples that we have here in the office have me on track to kick even more tail in CoD4.  Yes, I am still playing CoD4.  We look forward to working with both TRITTON and Harcos to further their visibility within the gaming community and beyond.”

Members of the press interested in receiving AX Pro review units or samples of Mana Energy Potion, please feel free to email jbusch@wonacottpr.com.

About Wonacott Communications, LLC

Wonacott Communications, LLC is a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency that combines the experience and resources of a large firm with the personal touch, adaptability and dedication of a boutique practice.  Based in Los Angeles, WComms expertly orchestrates communications programs for publicly traded and privately owned companies in the digital media, online entertainment, lifestyle, corporate and technology spaces domestically and around the globe.  More information on WComms can be found at http://www.wonacottpr.com.

About TRITTON Technologies

TRITTON Technologies is a manufacturer of high-performance consumer electronics and computer peripheral products.  TRITTON takes pride in creating innovative products that offer functionality and reliability.  The Vista, California-based company produces products that maintain sleek design and style while providing the latest in technology.  Additional information is available at www.trittontechnologies.com.

About Harcos, Inc.

Harcos, a company founded by two gamer geeks, has found a niche at the intersection where gaming and consumer products merge, with the launch of their first vitamin/energy beverage; Mana Energy Potions.  Mana Energy Potion is the premium energy shot made by gamers for gamers.  The high-level potion packs a powerful dose of vitamins and delivers up to eight hours of smooth energy without sugar or an aftercrash.  Each magical bottle of Mana Energy Potion looks like it’s straight out of a video game and is filled with a bright blue liquid that adds +160 to mana.  The Mana Energy Potion formula was continuously developed for nearly a year to create the optimal jitter-free energy output.  Additional information is available at www.manapotions.com.

WComms to Handle PR for the Launch of NHN USA’s Highly-Anticipated Online Game Huxley and for Popular Game Portal ijji.com

 LOS ANGELES – June 9, 2008 – Wonacott Communications, a full-service boutique public relations and integrated communications firm, has been named agency of record for online entertainment publisher NHN USA, Inc., the North American subsidiary of NHN, the largest Internet company in Korea.  Under the agreement, Wonacott Communications will oversee all public relations efforts for the publisher and its game portal ijji.com, and will handle PR for the launch of NHN USA’s highly-anticipated online game Huxley.

NHN USA selected Wonacott Communications based on the firm’s extensive experience with online entertainment companies, products and services, and deep understanding and experience building brand awareness for international companies.

“We are thrilled to have a respected strategic PR partner like Wonacott Communications handling our visibility efforts,” said Sunny Kim, vice president, NHN USA Inc. “They have a proven record of success with both corporate and product communications, and understand the communications intricacies relating to online media and public entertainment companies.”

“NHN USA is a dynamic company with a diverse online entertainment portfolio that ranks among the very best in North America,” said Jason Wonacott, CEO, Wonacott Communications, LLC.  “With the addition of creative games like Huxley to its line-up, NHN USA is making some aggressive moves to bring more triple-A brands to online gamers.  We are excited to be spearheading communications for the publisher and their products, further expanding our deep expertise in online entertainment, communities and technologies.”        

About Wonacott Communications, LLC

Wonacott Communications is a full-service public relations and integrated communications agency that combines the experience and resources of a large firm with the personal touch, adaptability and dedication of a boutique practice.  Based in Los Angeles, WComms expertly orchestrates communications programs for publicly traded and privately owned companies in the digital media, online entertainment, lifestyle, corporate and technology spaces domestically and around the globe.  More information on WComms can be found at www.wonacottpr.com.

About NHN USA

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., NHN USA, Inc. (www.nhnusainc.com) is the North American subsidiary of Korea’s leading Internet company NHN (KOSDAQ: 035420).  Founded in 2006, NHN USA has quickly emerged as a premier online entertainment publisher. The company’s game portal ijji.com (www.ijji.com), which boasts more than six million unique registered gamers, hosts a diverse suite of free-to-play online games each with an optional micro-currency model that enables players to enhance their gaming experiences by purchasing in-game items.  ijji.com’s extensive game portfolio includes GUNZ The Duel®, SOLDIER FRONT™, GUNBOUND® Revolution, DRIFT CITY™, LUMINARY Rise of the GoonZu™ and MINING BOY™, and will soon include the highly-anticipated Unreal Engine 3-based massively multiplayer online first-person shooting (MMOFPS) game Huxley.

Leading Game Portal ijji.com, with More Than Six Million Users, to Host Breakthrough Online Game in Late 2008

IRVINE, CALIF. – June 2, 2008 –It’s official.  NHN USA, a subsidiary of NHN (KOSDAQ:035420), the largest Korean Internet company, announced today that it has secured the rights to publish the long-awaited Huxley in North America and Western Europe. Bringing online gamers everywhere closer to the chance to exercise their fragging skills against thousands of other players in the first twitch-action massively multiplayer online first-person shooting (FPS) game Huxley, the online shooter is slated to arrive on the PC via ijji.com in late 2008.

“Huxley is one of the most anticipated online games currently in development, and we are very excited to bring the triple-A title to Western audiences,” said Whon Namkoong, CEO, NHN USA, Inc. “Huxley provides gamers with a unique and compelling experience that gamers everywhere are sure to enjoy. The revolutionary online shooter is a welcome addition to ijji.com, the site where millions of fans can play it later this year.”

Huxley is the first massively multiplayer online (MMO) game to combine the twitch-based fast-action gameplay of a first person shooter (FPS) with the cerebral character development of an MMO to deliver an intense and exciting online entertainment experience of a complete MMOFPS.  Players will be drawn into the genre-bending game play, riveting cinematic graphics and intricate setting of Huxley, where they will choose between two races, Sapiens or Alternatives and struggle to obtain a powerful energy source while fighting endless battles against the Hybrids, a mysterious third group born of the two races.

Developed by Webzen, Huxley will be released by NHN USA for the PC and be available to play on the publisher’s renowned gaming portal ijji.com in late 2008.  More information will be available shortly at www.ijji.com.

About NHN USA

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., NHN USA, Inc. (www.nhnusainc.com) is the North American subsidiary of Korea’s leading Internet company NHN (KOSDAQ: 035420).  Founded in 2006, NHN USA has quickly emerged as a premier online entertainment publisher. The company’s game portal ijji.com (www.ijji.com), which boasts more than six million unique registered gamers, hosts a diverse suite of free-to-play online games each with an optional micro-currency model that enables players to enhance their gaming experiences by purchasing in-game items.  ijji.com’s extensive game portfolio includes GUNZ The Duel®, SOLDIER FRONT™, GUNBOUND® Revolution, DRIFT CITY™, LUMINARY Rise of the GoonZu™ and MINING BOY™, and will soon include the highly-anticipated Unreal Engine 3-based massively multiplayer online first-person shooting (MMOFPS) game Huxley.

About WEBZEN Inc.

Founded in 2000 and based in Seoul, South Korea, WEBZEN Inc. (KOSDAQ and NASDAQ: WZEN) has become a leader in the MMOG market and has developed some of the world’s top online game and client/server technologies. WEBZEN is continuing the tradition of MU Online, which boasts more than 56 million registered users, with Soul of the Ultimate Nation and an array of exciting game titles slated for release in the world’s game market.  WEBZEN also developed the MMOFPS Huxley, one of the most anticipated titles of 2008.  For more information on the company and its products, please head to www.webzen.com.

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