Casual News – April 3, 2009

Pogo launches new "Pogo Minis" avatars for its players; Mochi Media signs a deal with hi5 to distribute games to its 62 million members; and Build-a-lot launches on the iPhone. These headlines and more below.

News

• hi5 partners with Mochi Media to distribute fresh catalog of games to its 62 million users
• Glu Mobile launches Build-a-lot for iPhone
• Pogo.com audience gets "fun-sized" with introduction of Pogo Minis
• Legends of Zork browser-based adventure game launches
• Her Interactive and Sega release Nancy Drew: The White Wolf of Icicle Creek for Nintendo Wii
• Majesco Entertainment ships Gardening Mama for Nintendo DS to retail
• Majesco Entertainment ships Major Minor’s Majestic March for Wii to retail
• Crave launches new puzzle game for Wii, Crayola Colorful Journey
• PopCap launches PopCap Arcade Volume 2 for Xbox 360
• GoG.com celebrates 100-game milestone with a freebie
• Exploring Gatheryn’s steampunk world
• Dance Dance Revolution Disney Grooves bundle available in stores nationwide on April 2
• Disney announces Wizards of Waverly Place on Nintendo DS this summer
• 2009 Game Developers Conference Europe opens online registration
• Leeloo’s Talent Agency – take part in the off-stage life of cinema!

Features

• Interview: Pogo GM Marchetti on getting casually sticky
• Peggle is pwning my wife
• The industry on DSi: Avanquest
• Graham Hopper expands Disney’s virtual game kingdom
• Analysis: The 5 major trends of GDC
• Will Wright favors Web 2.0-like community-driven game design
• Kaigler: Nintendo "Can’t do it all" in game software
• Survey: Outsourcing in game industry still on increase
• Nexon America selects Intergi as online advertising representation partner

Erin Bell