Video Game Talent Agency Launches Social Games-Dedicated Division

Digital Development Management, a talent agency specializing in servicing video games and developers, launched a Connected Games division that will cater to supporting the "creative, technological, and financial demands" of social gaming studios. Established in 2005 and serving clients in North America and Europe, DDM offers IP development, sales services, research, and presentation guidance. It's contributed to high-profile games like Need for Speed: Shift, Enslaved, Overlord, SOCOM, and Tango Down. The company says that by tapping into its publisher and developer relationships, its Connected Games division will implement initiatives that can help the game industry "transition and innovate products that have rich game play mechanics connected across multiple platform devices." DDM has already helped several of its clients evolve their social gaming strategies. It recently worked with Planet Moon Studios (Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter) to launch the developer's Everybody Plays program to make multiplatform games playable across social networks, consoles, PCs, and smartphones -- with each version sharing attributes and cross-promoting each other. The Northampton, Massachusetts-headquartered firm is also working with PlayStation Home asset creator Heavy Water and independent developer 3G Studios (Brave Arms) on their strategies for producing games across multiple platforms. "At a time when games are being played on various devices and screen sizes than ever before, the video game industry is at a crossroad to develop games that link multiple platforms and reach consumers with consistent and fulfilling game experiences," says DDM president Minton. He adds, "In addition to our traditional DDM console representation business, the Connected Games group is looking to help publishers and our development teams truly maximize the global opportunities that the social games marketplace provides the industry and consumers."