MTV Networks Acquires Social Gaming Outfit

NEW YORK: MTV Networks has entered the social gaming arena with the purchase of Social Express, with plans to develop titles based on original IP as well as on MTV and Nickelodeon brands.

The San Francisco-based developer will be integrated into Nickelodeon Digital. Social Express’s co-founder and CEO, Tony Espinoza, has been named VP and general manager of social gaming for MTV Networks’ Nickelodeon Kids & Family Group. Neil Souza, co-founder of Social Express and FoulPlay Media, will be VP of technology for social games. Both will report to Dave Williams, senior VP and general manager of games at Nickelodeon Kids & Family Group, who reports to Stephen Youngwood, executive VP for digital at Nickelodeon/MTVN Kids & Family Group.

MTV Networks will release its first social gaming title in the third quarter. The company plans to develop original games as well as those based on existing shows and franchises from within the group.  MTV Networks will also launch a publishing platform for independent game developers.

"Social gaming is one of the biggest drivers of the explosive growth in social media—it’s fun, it’s engaging, and it’s shareable," said Judy McGrath, chairman and CEO of MTV Networks. "Social Express brings us strong experience and know-how in this burgeoning space, which we’ll supercharge with the IP and scale of Nickelodeon and other MTV Networks brands to create great new social gaming experiences for our fans and cool tools for independent developers as well."