EA reduces game titles

Electronic Arts (EA) sees a future where its online and mobile games are as critical as 'Madden NFL' and other console games, says chief executive John Riccitiello, according to Reuters.

EA plans to cut back its current 50 titles to 40. Riccitiello said he could see EA publishing even fewer titles going forward.

The industry's blockbusters are few and far between, and more consumers are playing games like 'Bejeweled' on mobile phones and home computers, and enjoying free-to-start games like 'Farmville' on networking sites like Facebook.

In recent months, the world's biggest social networking site has been invaded by make-believe farmers, chefs and tropical fish collectors, says Mercury News.

With Facebook and MySpace providing the wind beneath their wings, 'Farmville' maker Zynga leads a flock of online game start-ups that has soared as one of the success stories during the recession, attracting hefty venture capital investments and generating strong revenue from ads and the sale of virtual goods, even though most people play the games for free.

Devotees of the most popular game on Facebook, Farmville - with 69.3 million monthly users - say they enjoy the casual aspect of games that become integrated into their multi-tasking online social life.

DreamWorks Animation has inked a deal with video games firm THQ, reports Digital Spy.

The partnership is an effort by DreamWorks to move beyond movies and TV into gaming. The contract will see THQ produce games exclusively based on DreamWorks properties, including Kung Fu Panda, The Kaboom of Doom, Puss 'n Boots and the TV series The Penguins of Madagascar.

DreamWorks has planned to release five films in two years in addition to specials and TV series. Executives have therefore made the decision to divide up the video game work.