Newsbriefs: Wi-Fi Chip Demand, Ignition Acquired, New VC Releases

Author: by Staff

[UPDATED: 4:06pm PST] Today's regularly updated newsbriefs include news of the rising demand for Wi-Fi microchips, UK-based Ignition Entertainment being acquired by India based media firm UTV Software, and the newest titles released for the Wii's Virtual Console. - A new Associated Press report has indicated that demand for the chips that power the Wi-Fi connectivity found in video game consoles, as well as other electronic devices, saw a significant increase in 2006. 200.9 million such microchips will have shipped globally by the close of 2006 according to the AP report, up 25 percent from the previous year's 160.9 million. 75 percent of 2006's shipments were driven by chips designed for Wi-Fi enabled laptops and routers, while those developed for consumer electronics such as Nintendo Wii and Microsoft's newly released Zune media player were modest but seen as “poised for growth.” Chips created for hand held electronics and portable game consoles accounted for 15 percent of Wi-Fi microchips shipped in 2006, down slightly from the 17 percent in 2005. However, home video game consoles were responsible for 10 percent of the chip shipments, up from 2005's 8 percent. - Officials from India based media firm UTV Software Communications has announced that the company has acquired Mumbai-based mobile developer Indiagames and UK-based publisher Ignition Entertainment (Mercury Meltdown) for Rs. 128 crores ($28.6 million), a move it says makes it the largest animation and gaming company in India. The company acquired a 51 percent stake in Indiagames and 70 percent in Ignition, which is currently developing the PlayStation 3 title WarDevil for release in 2008. "We have always been a progressive Media & Entertainment Company with our ability to spot trends early and innovate for success,” commented UTV COO Ronald D'Mello. “With the fragmentation of media and the emergence of interactivity as one of the key drivers of entertainment with the youth, we see New Media platforms as the key to future growth. We believe we are investing in the future with these new acquisitions and plan to derive tremendous value both because of the intrinsic worth of these entities as well as the synergies they will bring with our existing businesses in Motion Pictures, Television Content and Broadcasting." - Nintendo has released four “new” games for download over the Wii's Virtual Console. Purchasable from the Wii's online Wii Shop Channel, the games released today include Ice Hockey (NES) for 500 Wii Points ($5), Alien Crush (Turbografx-16) for 600 Wii Points ($6), and Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine and Gunstar Heroes (Genesis), both for 800 Wii Points ($8). These games join previously released console classics such as Donkey Kong Jr., Columns, and Ristar, among others. - The latest updates on Gamasutra sister alt.gaming weblog GameSetWatch include a handy guide for upcoming UMB releases, Sonic 2 speed runs, and a continuing look at the niche rougelike genre. - The latest updates from Gamasutra sister website Game Career Guide include the announcement of a two hour DVD intended to provide the next generation of game makers guidance on how to get into the industry. - Also updated today: the latest Gamasutra job postings, including openings from Centerscore, Cranky Pants Games, Cryptic Studios, High Moon Studios, Juice Games, Pandemic Studios Australia, Planet Moon Studios, Rainbow Studios, Relic Entertainment, Sierra Online, Super-Ego Games, Turbine, Visual Concepts, and Volition.