Casual News – Feb. 3, 2009

World of Goo publisher Brighter Minds Media files for bankruptcy; MMO Elf Island’s latest "good quest" lets players save endangered sharks in the Galapagos Islands; and iPhone owners now account for 14 percent of mobile game downloaders. These headlines and more below..

News

• World of Goo publisher files for bankruptcy
• Elf Island virtual world challenges ‘tweens to protect endangered sharks in the Galapagos Islands
• $580 million invested in 41 virtual goods-related businesses in 2008
• iPhone owners account for 14 percent of mobile game downloaders
• "Heroes" hops on to Habbo’s virtual world
• SPIL Games CCO Sidney Mock to speak on consumer marketing at Casual Connect Hamburg 2009
• THQ lays off 100, focuses wireless games on smart phones only
• John Kavanagh named as new Paramount games boss
• Jagex appoints new CEO
• Gameloft sales up 15% year-on-year
• Chobots hits 100k accounts, launches premium version
• MoiPal to expand with branded goods, mobile payments in 2009
• Tutpup now part of Mind Candy

Features

• Nintendo’s recession outlook: maybe heading for Gloomsville
• The top 10 money-making MMOs of 2008
• Q&A: Greg Joswiak, Head of iPhone and iPod Marketing – Part 1

Erin Bell