Social Apps vs. Social Games

By Guest Author Saad Fazil After reviewing social gaming companies, I move on to RockYou and LivingSocial — two very successful companies in the social applications space — to find out more about the similarities and differences between social games and apps.

Forbes Column 2009: Gaming The Recession

Continuing on the topic of gaming and shoestring entrepreneurship that can be pursued without much initial investment, here’s Zero-In this week: Gaming The Recession.

Deal Radar 2008: GameDuell

GameDuell was launched in 2003 and offers skill games to be played against real opponents for real money. The site has around 20 popular games like Solitaire, Roll 5, Freecell and Roll 5.

Deal Radar 2008: Gaia Interactive

Gaia Interactive is an online hangout where over 7 million visitors come every month to chat, meet new people, play games, and watch movies in Gaia’s virtual theater. Members can create customized online avatars and transform themselves into any kind of persona they want to be – classy, innocent, sexy, or scary, among others. An

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Deal Radar 2008: Trion World Network

We continue our coverage of gaming companies with Trion World Network, which publishes and develops games that exploit the potential of ubiquitous broadband. By using the latest cloud computing technology and architecture, the company is transforming the way connected games are designed and made available to the public.

Deal Radar 2008: Realtime Worlds

Realtime Worlds is an entertainment software company that produces hit video games like Grand Theft Auto, Crackdown and Lemmings. Their latest game is the community-based All Points Bulletin (APB), which is expected to be released soon. The company is also currently developing new software technology that will have applications in various other industries.

Deal Radar 2008: PlayFirst Plays Casual Games Well

PlayFirst is a leading publisher of casual computer games. Based out of San Francisco, it is focused on creating shared casual game experiences around “lasting original brands” with emphasis on “rich story and character”. Few of the more popular PlayFirst titles include the Diner Dash series, Wedding Dash, Chocolatier and Dream Chronicles. My interview with

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Viacom – Discovering its Mojo

We did a lengthy review of Viacom’s (NYSE: VIA-B) vertical strategy in the Fall. Meanwhile, revenues were up 24% in 3Q07 to $3.27 billion. Adjusted net earnings grew 20% to $437 million and diluted EPS were $0.65, a 27% increase over 3Q06. The solid performance was due to the DreamWorks-Paramount blockbuster Transformers. Earlier this month,

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