Real readies casual console assault

Casual game giant RealNetworks has revealed that it is currently working on expanding its operations onto Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and the forthcoming WiiWare platform.

In an interview with GameDaily.biz, RealNetworks’ VP of game content, Erik Goossens, admitted that work on consoles “is happening as we speak.” No more details were announced at the time.

The company has also recently acquired social/communication technology company Game Trust in a deal rumoured by The Wall Street Journal to be worth about $20 million.

Real will integrate social communcation and multiplayer functionality into the tech platform that it shares with syndication associates towards the beginning of the new year.

Harold Zeitz, senior VP of Real’s game division, said: “Our partners want to add social networking to their sites to further engage their game players, The acquisition will create enhanced consumer experiences for our partners’ offerings and for Real’s casual games players.”

“We are very excited to join Real and push the casual games industry forward,” said Adeo Ressi, CEO of Game Trust. “This agreement unites the industry’s top content, top distribution, and top technology platform. The players will ultimately benefit.”