MTVN & There.com (Makena Technologies)

I'm not sure that this counts as a gaming property. But I guess it's all the same to whoever is making money of this project...

"There.com parent company Makena Technologies announced today that it has collaborated with MTV Networks to launch "Virtual Hills," an online extension of the popular MTV television show "The Hills." Fans of the show can immerse themselves in a virtual environment that replicates the show's Hollywood setting, interact with cast members in- world, and participate in special events closely tied to the show's storyline."

MTV Networks & Nexon

Nexon will "create a new premium user experience for MTVN'S Neopets" and in return MTV will do the "marketing of the launch of Nexon's casual MMOG game titles in North America via its portfolio of television and online brands. Two of the first titles to be marketed under the alliance will be "Maple Story" and "Kart Rider" which are already enjoyed by 50 million and 80 million players around the world, respectively." Source: PRNewswire — read on

Harmonix loses Guitar Hero to NeverSoft (Activision)

After MTV Networks bought up Harmonix Music Systems for $175 million, it's going to be the wonderful people that produces that endless stream of Tony Hawk games to come up with GT: III. Dangit. — read on

Midway & Happy Feet (Warner Bros.)

Somehow missed this one earlier. The $326 million box office hit has been made into a game (duh) and Midway says to have shipped 1.8 million units worldwide already. (011107) In fact, it appears these Happy Feet will be walking all over us, if you read the press release on this massive campaign. (Original license agreement announcement here) I'm wondering if the number of 'shipped units' is some kind of indication of how successful a game is, and I'm thinking it's not. I'll go check the second-hand bin at my local GameStop this week. — read on

Buena Vista Games & SUNFLOWERS

Never heard of Anno 1701, but apparently the whole series sold 4.4 million copies worldwide. Originally in German, they're now sporting an English-version as well. Anyway, Disney (Buena Vista Games) is getting a piece of it, developing for the DS. But dang, it looks beautiful.. (picture: Anno 1701) — read on

Capcom’s movie licenses

Having licensed "Resident Evil" to Impact Pictures and Sony Pictures, Capcom's "Street Fighter" (due 2008) will be made by Hyde Park Entertainment. Most notably, the movie apparently will focus on Chung Li. I've always thought she was hot too. Lara Croft can go home. Other movie/game licenses under Capcom are "Devil May Cry" (Gaga Communications, Jp), "Lost Planet" (dunno), and "Onimusha" (Davis Films). Also, "Viewtiful Joe" has been made into a 52-episode anime series (2004). (Picture: Comic Book Resource) — read on

Showtime launching games venture

Showtime, a subsidiary of CBS (after the Viacom split-up), is moving into game space.

"Showtime Networks Inc. is branching out into the video game industry with a joint venture to offer games to high-speed Internet service providers. The CBS Corp.-owned cable channel behind such shows as "Weeds" and "The L Word" is joining with game publisher Broadband Libraries LLC to form "On Broadband." The new company will offer a private label game service for cable TV companies and DSL broadband providers."

WBIE + SCi/Eidos

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment invests in SCi Entertainment Group plc (Eidos Interactive's parent company) and enters into agreement for licensing and distribution of games based on select WB properties: - Batman - Looney Tunes - Hanna-Barbera catalog - The OC - Loonatics Unleashed, Legion of Super Heroes (TV programs) — read on