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DeNA probed in anti-monopoly investigation

Japanese social firm accused of blocking developers from using rival services

Social and mobile giant DeNA is being investigated by Japan's Fair Trade Commission over anti-competitive practices.

According to the Japan Times DeNA has tried to stop developers from providing games and content to rival company Gree, and also blocked users of its Mobage-town network from accessing content developed for titles on Gree's alternative service.

The FTC is alleging these unfair practices have violated anti-monopoly laws in the region.

DeNA intends to launch a version of Mobage-town in the US and Europe with recent acquisition Ngmoco, with a roll-out expected next year. Mobage-town has over 20 million users in Japan.

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Matt Martin avatar
Matt Martin joined GamesIndustry in 2006 and was made editor of the site in 2008. With over ten years experience in journalism, he has written for multiple trade, consumer, contract and business-to-business publications in the games, retail and technology sectors.
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