K2 Network Execs Form New Online Game Publisher

K2 Network publishing and operations execs Jeff Lujan and Bob Drobish have announced they have left the MMO service provider to form a new global online games publishing company, True Games Interactive. Lujan will serve as True Games' Chief Publishing Officer, responsible for publishing, marketing, business development and product development. Drobish will take on the role of COO at True Games, handling business operation, live game operations, customer service and technology. True Games will focus on the free-to-play, microtransactions-driven business model for independent developers and publishers. The company also says it will use its proprietary game platform for existing Asian content, in addition to working closely with Western developers to produce and publish new content globally. The Orange County, CA-based company adds is currently negotiating several product deals and seeking Series A funding. True Games plans to release its first title in the summer of 2008. At K2, Lujan was senior VP of global publishing, product development, marketing and international business development, while Drobish, as senior VP of operations, was responsible for overall company revenue, live game operations, technology and infrastructure, customer support, and India operations. Says Drobish, “With the continued growth of the online game industry, True Games will be at the forefront with a new approach, a unique business model and a proprietary game platform. We have been overwhelmed with the interest shown by potential development and publishing partners across the globe. We are thrilled with the speed of our progress and encouraged by the support, trust and interest in our new model.”