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RealNetworks acquires Backstage, looks to make GameHouse a social force

GameHouse Fusion gains a new backer

RealNetworks acquires Backstage, looks to make GameHouse a social force
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| RealNetworks News

With social acquisitions currently at the top of many a publisher's agenda, RealNetworks – the force behind publisher GameHouse – has made a purchase of its own specifically designed to up its social gaming standing.

Canadian outfit Backstage Technologies is the business in question, with the firm's co-development of Facebook hit Family Feud – an adaptation of the American game show by the same name - handing it notable experience within the social arena.

Bullish about Backstage

Backstage will be incorporated into GameHouse following the purchase, with RealNetworks CEO Bob Kimball stating the the firm's social expertises is what perked his company's interest.

"As we transform RealNetworks, we will focus on areas with strong revenue growth and profit potential that will realise the value of our core businesses," he said of the acquisition.

"The most compelling growth opportunity in games today is social games, and this acquisition is part of our commitment to make our entire GameHouse business social."

Social fusion

GameHouse Fusion – the casual gaming community unveiled by RealNetworks back in May – is another part of the firm's social strategy.

It's a platform RealNetworks has confirmed will now benefit from Backstage's creative talent.

"We acquired Backstage to advance our commitment to delivering fun and engaging games," added Matt Hulett, senior VP of RealNetworks' games division.

"With their pioneering talents in supporting and optimising leading social gaming titles to scale to millions of users, Backstage will help evolve and improve our existing social games efforts."

Keith Andrew
Keith Andrew
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font. He's also Pocket Gamer's resident football gaming expert and, thanks to his work on PG.biz, monitors the market share of all mobile OSes on a daily basis.