RealNetworks Q4 Games Sales Jump 30 Percent

RealNetworks has released financial results for the last quarter of 2007, showing nearly 30 percent sales growth in its RealGames division to $30.9 million, as the company prepares its latest games platform and makes further inroads to the living room with XBLA and Wii offerings. The RealGames division also saw 26 percent growth over the entire year, with sales of $108.5 million. Overall, RealNetworks saw record sales of $156.9 million in the quarter and profits of $2.7 million, and record sales of $567.6 million in its full year, with profits of $48.3 million. The company also notes that it has recently partnered with Spill Group, gaining exclusive syndication rights for Spill Group's "Family" section of key portals, including Games.co.uk, Jeux.fr, Gioco.it, Jetzspielen.de, Spelletjes.nl, Spela.se, Juegos.com, Gry.pl, Gamesgames.com and Ojogos.com.br. The partnership is expected to increase RealGames' reach by some 20 percent. Real also says in addition to preparing its next casual games platform, it's extending its reach off PC onto new platforms. More than 40 of its titles have been ported to mobile phone for Europe and the U.S., where it says it's started to "achieve solid results." The company also says its "next frontier is connected living room consoles," and is currently working on bringing casual titles to both Microsoft and Nintendo's platforms, the fruits of which will be seen in 2008 on Xbox Live Arcade and the Wii, though the company did not say whether disc based or via WiiWare. Said Real CEO Rob Glaser, “2007 was a strong year for RealNetworks. We crossed half a billion dollars in revenue for the first time, and more than doubled our adjusted EBITDA. We formed deep alliances with Viacom’s MTV Networks and Verizon Wireless, continued to lead in casual games, and introduced the innovative RealPlayer 11.”