Round-Up: Massive & Entropia, IGDA Elections, Schilling Promotes EQII

Today's Gamasutra news round-up includes news of in-game advertising agency Massive, Inc. signing a deal with MMO Project Entropia, the announcement of the IGDA's list of nominees for the 2006 Board of Directors elections, and an EverQuest advertising deal for Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling, as well as the latest GameSetWatch updates and Gamasutra job postings. - Massive Inc., an ad agency specializing in placing in-game dynamic ads, has announced that Swedish MMORPG Project Entropia is its latest client. Developed by MindArk, the game currently has over 385,000 registered users, which participate in an in-game economy that has both game-based and real-world value attached to the virtual items. "Project Entropia is a large, virtual game universe with a broad, global player base and an innovative economic model," said Massive chief marketing officer Nicholas Longano. "The addition of MindArk and this unique game to the Massive Network further expands the reach of this new media form and the range of in-game opportunities we can offer advertisers." - The International Game Developers Association has announced the list of nominees for the 2006 Board of Directors elections. The field of 14 candidates numbers Michael Capps, Dustin Clingman, Christopher Crowell, Rodney Gibbs, Michelle Hinn, Stephen Jacobs, Joe Kreiner, Gaurav Mathur, Mitzi McGilvray, Marc Mencher, Clarinda Merripen, Tobi Saulnier, Coray Seifert, and Mark Warner. More information about each candidate is available through their statements, available at the IGDA website, and ballots will be mailed to IGDA members on April 3rd. - Sony Online Entertainment has signed a deal with Red Sox pitcher and EverQuest fan Curt Schilling to secure the baseball star's endorsement for the game. Schilling will make promotional appearances for the game, including a stop at the Sony Fan Faire Convention in April, and promote the game on a media tour. "I've been playing video games a long time," said Schilling. "I've been a fan of Sony Online since the first time I logged into the original EverQuest. That passion has only increased since the launch of EverQuest II. EverQuest II provides me an opportunity to remain in touch with my family during the incredible travel schedule of a major league baseball season. One of the greatest elements of EverQuest II is that I can play when I'm on the road. My son Gehrig and I play together when I'm not working and he's not in school." - The latest updates on Gamasutra sister weblog GameSetWatch include a new installment in our Game Ads A-Go-Go, GameSpy's coverage of the IGF awards, an interview with GMD's Brian Clark, and the "lost" Atari game based on our good friend Tron Man. - Also updated today: the latest Gamasutra job postings, including openings from Heavy Iron Studios, High Moon, LucasArts, Disney Buena Vista Games, Mad Doc Software and Liquid Entertainment.