Marvel MMO maker Gazillion raises $60m
Publisher secures funding for continued expansion ahead of first super hero release next year
MMO development powerhouse Gazillion Entertainment has raised $60 million in funding from a group of investors led by Temasek Holdings.
The MMO developer is currently working on Jumpgate: Evolution, Marvel Universe, Marvel Super Hero Squad Online and last month released LEGO Universe.
"Massively multiplayer online games have become one of the most profitable entertainment formats in many worldwide markets," said Rob Hutter, founder and CEO of Gazillion.
"At Gazillion we've focused our creative energy on bringing a signature style and playability to our MMOs so these experiences can be shared by all kinds of gamers. We're pleased to welcome Temasek as we enter a key phase of expansion for the company."
Gazillion has four studios in the US - Slipgate Ironworks, NetDevil, Amazing Society and Gargantuan - and has a 10 year deal with Marvel Entertainment for massively multiplayer online games
"We believe Temasek's investment in Gazillion, which has developed one of the best portfolios of online games for all ages, underscores Gazillion's emergence as a major MMO player globally," added Mike Vorhaus, President of Magid Advisors, a unit of Frank N. Magid Associates.
Marvel Super Hero Squad Online is the next release from Gazillion, due in the first quarter of 2011.