RealNetworks, Inc.
From Casual Games Wiki
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 RealNetworks Founded: 1993 |
RealNetworks, Inc. is a provider of Internet media delivery software and services based in Seattle, Washington, United States. The company is best known for the creation of RealAudio, a compressed audio format, RealVideo, a compressed video format and RealPlayer, a media player. The company is also known for its subscription-based online entertainment services like Rhapsody and RealArcade, and for its media properties like Film.com and RollingStone.com (which it operates in partnership with Rolling Stone owners Wenner Media).
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Games
Through GameHouse, RealArcade, and Zylom, RealNetworks offers hundreds of free online and downloadable puzzle, mahjongg, arcade, word, jigsaw, action/adventure, card, sports, casino, racing/flying, and children's games. The company also offers mobile games through RealArcade Mobile.
History
RealNetworks, Inc. (then known as 'Progressive Networks') was founded by ex-Microsoft executive Rob Glaser in 1993. The company's original goal was to provide a distribution channel for politically progressive content. It quickly evolved into a technology venture to leverage the Internet as an alternative distribution medium for audio broadcasts. Progressive Networks became RealNetworks in September 1997.
Company Timeline (gaming related)
- March 2000 - Real.com adds a games channel with downloadable games, Web games, user reviews, ratings, streaming previews and free demos. [1]
- May 2001 - RealNetworks launches RealArcade, a distribution vehicle for online and downloadable games. RealArcade is different from many casual game portals as it requires downloading a Windows-only desktop application that connects to the Internet for accessing RealArcade content and community features. [2]
- January 2004 - RealNetworks acquires GameHouse, developers of the popular Collapse! series of puzzle games. [3]
- May 2005 - RealNetworks acquires Helsinki-based Mr.Goodliving Ltd, a developer and publisher of mobile games throughout Europe. [4]
- February 2006 - RealNetworks acquires Zylom Media Group, a distributor, developer and publisher of high-quality PC-based casual games throughout Europe. [5]
- June 2006 - RealNetworks announces a partnership with Eyeblaster to support streaming video advertisements integrated into the downloadable casual game environment. [6]
- September 2006 - RealNetworks launches RealArcade mobile content site in partnership with PlayPhone. [7]
