Round Up: New Analyst Firm, Gaming Talent @ ASCAP, Games-On-Demand Network Hits TV

Today's round-up includes news of a new market research firm focused on analyzing new media platforms, a conference dedicated to video game music, and a network that brings casual games to the the television, as well as the latest posts from GameSetWatch, product news and Gamasutra job postings. - Interpret LLC, a new market research firm and advertising consultancy, has been formed by former Nielsen employees Michael Dowling, Grant Johnson and Jason Kramer in order to assist companies with planning, testing, and measuring content and marketing strategies. The firm features an emphasis on new media platforms, including video games, and considering the recently popularity of dynamic advertising in game as way to position popular products to players. "Our goal in creating Interpret is to fill a void in this marketplace by building a company that follows consumers' leads in breaking down content silos, and to help media, content and technology companies realize the true value of their brands," stated Dowling. "The key to success in the digital future is developing a common, consumer-driven language for technology developers, content companies and advertisers and Interpret is structured to fit those needs." - Performing rights organization the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announced that their sold out I Create Music Expo will take place from April 20-22 in Los Angeles, and will feature numerous songwriters, composers and music industry professionals. Persons expected to contribute to the expo include Chuck Doud and Gerard K. Marino, both of whom worked on God of War, Marty O’Donnell, audio director for such titles as Riven, Halo, and Halo 2, and Garry Schyman, most recently recognized for his music heard in both Destroy All Humans and Full Spectrum Warrior. Over 1,000 music professionals are expected for the event. "The response has been tremendous," said Marilyn Bergman. "While ASCAP has long brought together our top songwriters and composers with newer members who are just starting out in our workshops, this three-day conference is an unprecedented opportunity for all music creators to gain knowledge, guidance and inspiration from some of the most celebrated songwriters, composers and producers across all musical genres." - TVHead has announced its broadband Games-On-Demand Network, which has been in development for the past 18 months. The network, which seems positioned to target set-top boxes in a similar way to UK services such as Sky Active, seamlessly integrates into existing Video On Demand (VOD) infrastructure currently servicing VOD-enabled households. The service will feature several classic and popular casual games, including Space Invaders, Bejeweled, Diner Dash, Zuma, Texas Hold'Em, Solitaire, and Backgammon. "Casual gaming is a high-growth market that cable and IPTV operators do not adequately address today," said Sangita Verma, the company's CEO and Founder. "TVHead was created to enable cable and IPTV operators to become a major force in the games industry. By offering a rich gaming experience to all of their subscribers today -- not just the small percentage with high-end set-top boxes -- TVHead allows operators to monetize gamers directly, and keep them in front of their televisions." - The latest updates on Gamasutra sister weblog GameSetWatch include a cross-referenced look at Gamasutra's 'Controller: Artists Crack the Game Code' feature, a look at Capcom classics joining GameTap, Hudson's Bulk Slash for the Sega Saturn, a first hand account of what it's like to be a booth babe at E3, and gender issues in Oblivion. - Also updated today: product news, featuring both Akella and Gaijin signing Ageia PhysX for Russian development, as well as the latest Gamasutra job postings, featuring openings from Disney Buena Vista Games, EA Mobile, Emergent Game Technologies, Factor 5, Pixar Animation Studios, The Art Institute Online and Volition.