Search form

WPP Makes Strategic Investment in WildTangent

WildTangent, the leading online game publisher, announced a new strategic investment from WPP, one of the world's leading communications services groups. WPP's investment in WildTangent will enhance its global client roster's ability to tap into the WildTangent Game Network (WGN), a videogame advertising network that includes hundreds of popular online and downloadable games from WildTangent's own studios in addition to titles from top publishers like Nickelodeon, The Walt Disney Internet Group and other leading online game developers.

In the past year, WildTangent has successfully worked with WPP agencies on gaming initiatives with key clients such as Novartis and Unilever. Going forward the two companies also plan to collaborate on market development initiatives aimed at creating research driven standards for advertising in and around games.

"Our clients are increasingly looking for ways to reach their customers online, particularly the harder to reach young adult demographic, and in-game advertising is of growing interest. WildTangent's strong track record in game distribution and advertising makes them an attractive partner for us and for our clients," said Mark Read, director of strategy/ceo of WPP.com.

"We've been delivering leading edge online game campaigns for the biggest brands for several years and we're pleased to be recognized for our leadership in this space by WPP," said Alex St. John, ceo/co-founder of WildTangent. "We've had a great relationship with WPP and their agencies over the years and we're very excited to establish a partnership to dramatically grow the in-game advertising business together."

Granite Global Ventures (GGV) led the expansion round, which included existing investors Advanced Technology Ventures, Greylock, Madronna, Millenium Technology and IDG. GGV has investments in gaming hardware company AGEIA, mobile game publisher Glu Mobile and XFire, an instant messenger application for gamers, recently purchased by MTV Networks, a division of Viacom.

WildTangent publishes its games through a virtual console that is bundled with over 85% of all consumer PCs, or over 25 million PC's sold annually, in North America alone.

WPP is one of the world's leading communications services groups, providing national, multinational and global clients with advertising; media investment management; information, insight & consultancy; public relations & public affairs; branding & identity, healthcare and specialist communications. For further information, visit www.wpp.com

Founded in 1998, WildTangent is the leading publisher of online and downloadable games. WildTangent is the pioneer of in-game and around-game advertising solutions. The company publishes more than 250 leading first and third party game titles through a distribution network, that includes the WildTangent games network, Wildgames.com, leading PC Manufacturers, ISPs and portals. From family friendly games like the Polar franchise to action adventure titles such as Fate, WildTangent provides online entertainment which appeals to a broad range of consumers.

Rick DeMott's picture

Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks

Tags