NEW YORK, NY (MTV Networks) - MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. has announced that it has acquired substantially all the assets of GameTrailers LLC, including the internet site GameTrailers.com. GameTrailers is a leading producer and aggregator of broadband video content comprehensively covering the latest and best in the world of video games. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The announcement was made today by Jason Hirschhorn, Chief
Digital Officer of MTV Networks.
Adding GameTrailers.com to the MTV Networks family of targeted entertainment destinations, including MTV.com, VH1.com, Spiketv.com, ComedyCentral.com, Nick.com and many more, further expands the company's position as a top online entertainment network. Along with the recent purchases of IFILM and Neopets, the acquisition of GameTrailers.com underscores MTV Networks' focused and continued commitment to being the leading multi-platform entertainment company serving its audiences across all screens.
"The acquisition of the GameTrailers business represents a strong and unique step forward for MTV Networks into the growing world of video-game culture by delivering high quality broadband video content to consumers, and it complements our broad efforts in video-games media across our brands," said Hirschhorn. "The quality and credibility of GameTrailers' work has been rewarded with respect among gamers and the industry alike and will take MTVN to new heights in this dynamic space."
GameTrailers will join a growing stable of ongoing and event-driven video- games-focused content across MTV Networks, including: Video Games on MTV.com and MTV Overdrive; coverage of video games by MTV News; Video Mods on MTV2; Video GameFix, Best Gamer on Campus, the Gamers Ball Tour and programming on MTVU and Uber at MTVU.com; GameOrz week presenting a blitz of games focused programming on all MTV screens; The Video Game Awards and Game Head on Spike TV; and a variety of ongoing specials highlighting games and gaming culture year-round across MTVN's multiple platforms.
GameTrailers has been an innovator in bringing video-game coverage to life through professionally produced video delivering a variety of must-have content to gamers. GameTrailers' franchise productions include: GTtv game reviews which use actual game play footage to illustrate the highs and lows of popular new games; GTtv previews which give gamers premier access to games before they release; GTtv event coverage which brings gamers inside industry events like E3 and the Tokyo Games Show, and enthusiast events like Blizzcon; GT Weekly, a fast-paced news and features show posted each Thursday in an interactive format allowing gamers to selectively watch the segments they want; and special GTtv features such as developer interviews and game play footage. Overall, GameTrailers.com offers gamers a library of more than 8,000 pieces of broadband video about gaming including original productions, trailers and fan movies.
Jon Slusser, CEO of GameTrailers, said: "We are excited about this acquisition, as it clearly validates our work to date and enhances MTVN's commitment to the video games space by serving a passionate and dedicated audience with top quality content and community. We'll take advantage of the opportunity to form programming partnerships with MTVN brands and utilize MTVN's resources to create more content and grow our brand and destination."
GameTrailers.com and its accompanying site, GT.TV, will continue to operate as stand-alone destinations. Slusser will continue to run the site and join MTV Networks as Vice President of the GameTrailers business.
