Next Generation Gaming has taken the next step on its path to being recognized worldwide as an independent design studio specialising in games for online casinos by inking a deal with venture capital firm Entertainment Media Ventures.
"The investment will allow the company to fast track its plans to become the major supplier of casino-style games to the burgeoning global Internet gaming market," Next Generation CEO Tony McAuslan, said. "Our partnership with (EMV) gives us unprecedented access to a steady stream of film and
television intellectual property, which Next Generation plans to turn into 'branded' games for large online casinos."
Next Generation develops "plug & play" games that run across a variety of back-end software packages, unlike the typical turn-key casino software package usually offered. The company is developing custom games for clients in the U.K., Canada, Israel and Austria, as well as many future Australian licensed sites, company officials say.
McAuslan said his company is also developing games for the interactive television market and the cellular network market. "We think the WAP market is wide open at present and early movers who are able to provide meaningful content in this medium will do extremely well," he said.
"From a commercial perspective, Australia is well positioned to become the dominant supplier of casino games for a variety of content delivery platforms, " McAusland added, "and our direct line into the entertainment business through our alliance with EM Ventures will enable us to utilize graphics and images that already have an immediate consumer recognition factor throughout the world."