Casual News – May 29, 2009

PlayFirst announces three new games; IGN asks if Apple should enter the console gaming business; and eGames publishers its second developer diary for The Dracula Files. These headlines and more below.

News

• PlayFirst unveils three new games
• Merscom releases Righteous Kill 2: Revenge of the Poet Killer
• Restaurant Empire 2 released today worldwide
• Wadjet Eye Games releases Blackwell cartoon shorts
• Ludia announces one million units sold of The Price is Right game
• eGames.com casual game portal sales grow over 27% in 2009
• Mindfuse opens beta registration for Gatheryn virtual world
• Jeopardy! fans answer clues for cash on WorldWinner
• Virtual Programming brings Codeminion’s casual hit Saqqarah to iPhone
• iPhone gets back to the prehistoric era with the release of StoneLoops!
• Rollercoaster Rush now available on Apple App Store
• Don’t wait for a cheaper Wii, Nintendo says
• Ubisoft closes a year of expansion and profits for game business
• Zeebo game console ships to stores in Brazil
• Majesco Entertainment announces Flip’s Twisted World exclusively for Wii
• Namco Bandai Games’ The Munchables now available in stores
• THQ announces Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter for Nintendo Wii and DS
• Natsume announces Afrika for PlayStation 3
• Disney Interactive Studios announces Jonas for Nintendo DS
• Majesco Entertainment announces E3 2009 video game line-up
• EA spotlights blockbuster titles at E3
• Natsume reveals E3 line-up
• The free price is working out nice for Sony’s FreeRealms as registrants top 2 million

Features

• The Dracula Files, Developer Diary #2
• Should Apple enter the console business?
• Heyzap raises seed round for casual game widgets
• RealNetworks: Another small Internet stock trading under cash

Erin Bell