Former MTV CEO and Electronic Arts Vice President to join Mikoishi
Frank Brown and Irene Chua to fill Key Chairman and CEO roles in preparation for the company's next stage of growth
Singapore , 26 July 2007 - Mikoishi, a premier game development studio, today announced the appointment of two new members to its executive team, Frank Brown as Chairman of the Board and Irene Chua as Chief Executive Officer.
"Over the last 6 years, Mikoishi has built a reputation as a premier developer and operator of multiplayer games for mobile phones," said Alex Goatcher, Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder. "By leveraging our expertise, technology and team we are now addressing opportunities on multiple gaming platforms including handheld (Nintendo DS) and Online PC. Over the last 18 months we have been working on a slate of highly compelling entertainment products all based on original Mikoishi franchises. We are embarking on a very exciting next phase of growth and we are delighted to have such proven execution experience join the charge" added Goatcher.
Irene Chua is a veteran in interactive entertainment in Asia and was instrumental in setting up Electronic Arts (EA) pan-Asian presence. Over the last 12 years Chua has held multiple positions with EA as country head, Director and Regional VP and was tasked to set up and to oversee EA's operations in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and China. During her tenure at EA, Chua was responsible for revenue across 6 EA offices throughout Asia and worked with the offices to deliver over 150 products in 5 Asian languages including top EA franchises like The Sims, Harry Potter, Need for Speed, FIFA and Lord of the Rings.
"Mikoishi has built a world class creative and engineering capability" said Chua. "With our proprietary online entertainment technology Theatre, we can provide consumers with a rich entertainment experience that stems from cross-platform online game-play coupled with immersive social gaming mechanics that drive team-play, players collaboration and items trading".
"Mikoishi has identified that gamers now want highly personalized game content in addition to strong concepts. Our games place emphasis on character development and we plan to establish online communities for each of our franchises so gamers can also contribute ideas for expansion packs as well as extended storylines." said Chua.
Chua is joined by Frank Brown as Chairman of the Board. Brown is regarded as one of the leading founders of MTV Networks International both in Europe and Asia. As President/CEO for MTV Networks Asia Pacific, Brown led MTV Networks into Asia, building out their pan-Asian presence and TV network. His responsibilities have included leading all launches, strategies and operations for over 30 TV channels, digital media properties, magazines, radio stations and consumer products for MTV, Nickelodeon, Nick Junior and VH1, amongst other media brands. Prior to his move to Singapore, Brown was also the founding member of the senior management team for 7 years at MTV Networks in Europe, based in London, for the company's first launch outside of the US.
"We are producing a new generation of interactive entertainment for a global audience" said Brown. "We are also planning to develop our franchises beyond games and we are exploring opportunities in merchandising, animation, toys and other related products. Mikoishi games showcase our team's Asian flair yet still embody an overall international appeal. We will be unveiling our three primary franchises along with our product road map over the next few weeks" said Brown.
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About Mikoishi
Mikoishi is an award winning creative studio that produces interactive entertainment, based on internally created IP franchises that have a truly international appeal.
Mikoishi has collaborated with major game publishers, Hollywood and leading mobile operators worldwide to deliver award-winning products which are operated in over 40 countries across North and South America, Europe and North and South East Asia. Mikoishi is headquartered in Singapore with regional offices in Korea and Japan. For additional information, please visit www.mikoishi.com.
Past projects and awards include: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (IGN's Best of E3 2006 - Best Wireless Strategy Game, 1UP's Best of E3 2006 - Runner Up for Best Mobile Game), Star Wars Battlefront Mobile (Runner Up - IGN Wireless Game of the Year 2005, Most Innovative Design), Super Puzzle Fighter II: Network Battle (IGN's Best of E3 2006 - Most Innovative Design for Wireless Game, IGN's Best of E3 2006 - Runner up for Best Puzzle Game, 1UP's Best of E3 2006 - Runner Up for Best Mobile Game), Metal Unit (GameAxis - Asian Game of the Year 2005 and Editors Choice).
Mikoishi, Theatre and Metal Unit are registered trademarks of Mikoishi Studios. Super Puzzle Fighter II: Network Battle, Phoenix Wright TM & ® Capcom. Star Wars Battlefront Mobile TM & ® THQ Games. Star Wars is property of LucasArt.
For more information, please contact:
Florence Ang
Red Dawn Communications (on behalf of Mikoishi)
T: +65 6222 4704
M: +65 9691 1404
Email: florence@reddawncommunications.com