Konami partners with PlayFirst
PC casual games heading to mobile markets
Konami Digital Entertainment has announced a new partnership with full-service casual games publisher PlayFirst, securing the licensing, development and distribution rights to bring a number of PlayFirst titles to mobile phones worldwide.
Under the terms of the agreement, Konami will handle the mobile publishing and distribution of a number of key PlayFirst titles, including the award winning Oasis from Mind Control Software, GameLab's Egg vs. Chicken, and numerous as yet undisclosed casual games. The companies hope to expand the international market for casual games, bringing original and highly acclaimed entertainment software to the mobile space.
"We have recognised a tremendous demand for innovative, high quality casual games in the mobile space," commented Joe Morris, VP of mobile content for Konami Digital Entertainment. "We recognised PlayFirst and its unique portfolio of highly original IP as an ideal partner to expand our mobile entertainment product line and to feed the demand of top tier games."
"As a full-service publisher, maximizing the reach of our games is a top priority," added Rich Roberts, VP of sales and business development at PlayFirst. "With Konami's deep experience in both mobile and the international market, this partnership will introduce the world's mobile audience to PlayFirst's high calibre games and further enable casual gamers to access our exciting titles wherever they play."
Established in 2004 and funded by Mayfield Fund, Trinity Ventures and Rustic Canyon Partners, PlayFirst has enjoyed tremendous success in the online casual games space with various titles, including Diner Dash, which has achieved more than 100 million plays worldwide. The company works with a range of internal and external developers to bring innovative casual games to multiple platforms, including PC, Mac and mobile.
Konami Digital Entertainment is the US subsidiary of Tokyo-based Konami Corporation. A leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment products, Konami's most popular franchises, which are available on a growing range of current and next-generation platforms, include Silent Hill, Castlevania and the Metal Gear Solid series of games.