GameHouse, the last big content-producing business inside Seattle’s RealNetworks, is still awaiting its own deal — a long-planned spinoff that was put on hold during the last economic downturn, and has been kept there as the company tries to turn around its business.
Maybe now Wayne Brady could help?
RealNetworks has signed a multi-year agreement with FremantleMedia Enterprises that gives GameHouse exclusive rights to develop social and casual games based on the “Let’s Make A Deal” franchise, made famous by Monty Hall and now hosted by comedian Brady. The rollout will start with a Facebook game set for release this fall.
“By partnering with FME to develop the social version of ‘Let’s Make A Deal,’ GameHouse continues our commitment to bringing world-class entertainment properties to life through fun and engaging games,” says Matt Hulett, the RealNetworks senior vice president and Seattle startup veteran, in a news release announcing the deal.
Under its restructuring, RealNetworks has shifted its focus to content distribution and media management technologies for consumers, wireless carriers and others. The company said in a March regulatory filing that it was continuing to make progress on the separation of the games business, but had not yet determined exactly which route to go with the transaction.
Our suggestion: Door No. 3.
