Vivox Raises $6.8 Million from IDG Ventures and Existing Investors

Local HD voice services provider for online games and virtual worlds, Vivox, Inc., announced yesterday that it secured $6.8 million from a third round of equity financing led by IDG Ventures with follow-on investment from Benchmark Capital, Canaan Partners, and GrandBanks Capital. See Vivox’ press release here for more information.

 

Irrational Games unveiling new title this year

Speaking with GameSpot, Irrational Games creative chief Ken Levine says the renamed studio’s new project will be outed sometime after GDC, and that handling multiple projects is a goal.

 

Berklee Teaching Students to Compose Scores for Video Games

The Boston Globe has a great piece on Berklee College of Music’s video game score composition programs and clubs.

 

Venture capitalists are bullish on the future of game funding

Great article in VentureBeat / GamesBeat on the future of VC investment in the games industry.  For a local perspective, check out the NE Games SIG & NEVCA event on 2/11.

 

Turbine CEO Crowley takes unique path to game development

Check out Mass High Tech’s article on and interview with Turbine CEO Jim Crowley. Be sure to attend NE Games SIG’s joint event with the New England Venture Capital association on February 11 to hear Jim’s thoughts on VC interest in the game industry.

 

Blue Fang Games Wins Children’s Technology Review Editor’s Choice Award

Congratulations to Blue Fang Games, developer of best-selling PC title Zoo Tycoon, for winning the Children’s Technology Review Editor’s Choice Award for its new title, World of Zoo.

 

2K Boston Returning to Irrational Games Name and Legacy

Joystiq reports that the developer known for the past two years as 2K Boston will be returning to its roots as Irrational Games. The Quincy-based company will be kicking off a new website soon that will contain lots of community features and information about Irrational’s past — including fan favorites like System Shock 2 and Freedom Force, in addition to 2K Boston’s BioShock and future titles.

 

Cambridge-based Immerz Gets Buzz at CES

Immerz Inc.’s KOR-fx is among 11 products chosen by the Consumer Electronics Show as the most innovative coming to market. See the Boston Herald article.

 

Dejobaan Finalist in 12th Annual Indie Games Fest

Congratulations to Boston’s Dejobaan Games! GameSpot reports that its game  ”AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! – A Reckless Disregard For Gravity” is one of only five finalists in the “Excellence In Design” category of the 12th annual Independent Games Festival.  All of the nominated games will be on display at the 2010 Game Developers Conference, with winners named in a lead-in to the Game Developers Choice Awards ceremony on March 11.

 

Fire Hose Games’ Eitan Glinert to Speak on Rapid, Iterative Prototyping

Eitan Glinert, founder and President of Fire Hose Games, will be conducting a webinar for the IGDA on the topic of Rapid, Iterative Prototyping. More information can be found here.