Saban Brands Buys into Mobile Gaming Outfit

LOS ANGELES: Saban Brands has bolstered its digital capabilities with the acquisition of the mobile games developer and publisher The Playforge, behind the hit Zombie Farm.

Zombie Farm was the third highest grossing iOS app in 2011 and a top 10 grossing game for nearly two years, with more than 37 million downloads. Saban is planning to extend current and future free-to-play mobile games developed by The Playforge into licensing, merchandising and media opportunities.

"Mobile is becoming the default medium for entertainment, and games are the future of social engagement. The Playforge has a demonstrated record of creating sustainable, high-quality mobile social games," said Dan Silberberger, the VP of digital at Saban Brands. "This acquisition allows us to take a leadership position in the space, combine our brand expertise with the development capabilities of The Playforge, and further expand our reach to wherever consumers want—from mobile to online to television. We’re excited to see the new developments that result from this exciting partnership."

"By partnering with Saban Brands we’re able to take our products to new heights where they can be enjoyed and experienced by a much broader audience through licensing, merchandising and media opportunities, areas that are tremendously exciting to us," added Vince McDonnell, the CEO of The Playforge. "We look forward to collaborating with Dan and his team in support of our three additional title launches in 2012, and as we plan for the future."

"As Saban Brands continues to grow and evolve, we are thrilled to be working with the talented team at The Playforge. We look forward to a steady stream of new games, new intellectual properties (IP), and new strategic collaborations that bring together and amplify the strengths and capabilities of the combined group," commented Elie Dekel, the president of Saban Brands.