GigaMedia Invests In XLGames, Plans New MMO Partnership

Singapore-based online game developer GigaMedia Limited has announced a partnership with Lineage developer XLGames, the studio founded by The Kingdom of the Winds creator Jake Song, to develop a new MMO. GigaMedia has also made an investment in XLGames, which it says is a step in its plan to strengthen its pan-Asian online entertainment platform, which aims to provide a "one-stop solution" for game developers and entertainment providers addressing over 68 million registered users in the Asian market. As part of the partnership, GigaMedia has made an investment in XLGames for an undisclosed sum, also obtaining board representation and unspecified strategic rights. In addition to licensing and developing online gaming software, GigaMedia also operates Asian casual game portal FunTown, which it claims is the largest online MahJong game site in terms of revenue. Chinese casual sports game operator TCN also falls under the GigaMedia umbrella. Said GigaMedia president Thomas Hui, "Jake Song and his team are superstars -- some of the world's greatest game developers. We are thrilled to partner with such a tremendously talented team and look forward to working closely with them on their new MMORPG, which should rock the world."