Casual News – March 6, 2009

EA programmer Soren Johnson discusses the challenges of designing free-to-play games; Zynga launches Scramble Live! the first social game that lets Facebook and iPhone/iPod Touch users play together; and Merscom announces the sequel to Righteous Kill. These headlines and more behind the cut.

News

• Merscom and Starz Media to co-publish Party Down and sequel to Righteous Kill: The Game
• Zynga’s Scramble Live launches on iPhone
• Electronic Arts veteran launches new iPhone game company Portable Zoo
• MSN Games launches Hexic and Chess applications on Facebook and MySpace
• Nexon America (MapleStory, Kart Rider) names Daniel S. Kim new CEO
• Fatfoogoo powers in-game commerce for CampFu, Rebel Monkey’s premier online virtual world
• Elf Island virtual world for kids creates economic stimulus package
• Shake it up baby with The Beatles: Rock Band game
• Majesco Entertainment announces A Boy and His Blob for Wii
• Namco Bandai Games dishes up a winner with The Munchables for Wii
• Majesco Entertainment and Barbara’s Bakery announce marketing partnership for Puffins Island Adventure video game for Nintendo DS
• Casual Games Association to host networking event at Game Developer’s Conference
• Savannah, Georgia offers free rent and tax incentives for game development companies
• WorldWinner propels sports trivia experts into major leagues with launch of three new titles
• Double Fusion names game industry veteran Monika Madrid as VP of Business Development

Features

• Opinion: Designing for free takes more than "just" game design

Erin Bell