I-play to double internal development capacity

I-play boss David Gosen has revealed that the company's acquisition by Oberon Media will "virtually double" its capacity to produce games internally.

"Oberon provides I-play with the funding, resource, content and distribution advantages to continue to scale, compete and grow on a global basis in the carrier world and also in the rapidly emerging direct to consumer market," he told GamesIndustry.biz.

"Specifically, Oberon provides the necessary future funding for the business and significant distribution and content advantages - as well as bringing existing internal 2D and 3D mobile development capabilities, allowing the company to virtually double its internal development capacity."

As announced yesterday, Oberon has acquired I-play as part of plans to offer consumers three options for casual gaming - online, mobile and TV.

Speaking to GI.biz Oberon boss Tomer Ben-Kiki said job cuts are unlikely to occur as a result of the acquisition, explaining, "There is little overlap of functional teams given the size of Oberonâs existing mobile operations and expect no significant organisational changes.

"Oberon plans to continue to invest in mobile games and mobile entertainment, and will continue to scale the mobile business."

I-play is best known for focusing on its casual games offering, but now that looks set to change with Gosen revealing that new additions to the portfolio are planned.

"I-play is positioned today as the casual mobile games company, and it will continue its core offering of compelling games for the mass market across 2D and 3D - as well as complementing our casual roadmap with some more niche, edgier, console-type games to ensure we satisfy all gamers," he said.

"Casual is a mindset, a way of playing, rather than a specific genre. One thumb gaming is here to stay."