MindJolt Buys SGN, Hallpass To Expand Mobile, Online Reach

MindJolt, the social game firm headed by MySpace founder and ex-CEO Chris DeWolfe, announced this week two acquisitions -- social mobile game developer/publisher SGN and online game network Hallpass Media. Financial terms for the deals were not disclosed. Reaching more than 25 million users, MindJolt's casual games platform features hundreds of titles for users to play for free on portals and social networks. With these purchases, the company expands into the mobile space while bolstering its online offerings and distribution. SGN reportedly has had over 30 million downloads for its iOS and Android games (e.g. Mini Tycoon Casino, Skies of Glory) since it spun off of Freewebs in 2008. Along with bringing its social mobile development to MindJolt, the firm has several titles planned for release this year. Hallpass Media operates an online gaming network that includes sites like WordGames.com, VirtualPets.com, and StickGames.com. Those destinations reach more than 4 million gamers and add almost 1,500 new titles to MindJolt's platform. Since DeWolfe, other MySpace veterans, and Austin Ventures partnered to buy MindJolt last March, the publisher has made several moves to broaden its reach, signing a deal with Broadcast Interactive Media, as well as creating new advertising and monetization tools. "The acquisition of SGN and Hallpass broadens our content offering and extends our reach. MindJolt becomes a cross-platform 'triple threat' with great games across mobile, social, and web platforms," says DeWolfe. He continues, "This three-pillar approach enables MindJolt to deliver our games wherever people choose to play, and differentiates our service from others in this space."