Ex-SEGA exec to serve as ngmoco publishing director
updated 05:45 pm EDT, Mon June 15, 2009
SEGA
iPhone game developer ngmoco has appointed former SEGA president and COO Simon Jeffery to serve as the chief publishing officer of the Plus+ Publishing group. The gaming industry veteran also brings experience from LucasArts, Virgin Interactive and Electronic Arts. At SEGA, Jeffery helped the company shift from a hardware manufacturer to a software developer.
“We are excited to welcome Simon to ngmoco,” said Neil Young, ngmoco co-founder and CEO. “Today’s announcement of Simon, Plus+ Publishing and Plus+ Network continues and extends our commitment beyond creative collaboration by opening our innovative publishing infrastructure to others.”
The Plus+ division aims to attract partner companies and outside developers to work with ngmoco's publishing framework. Participants will have access to the Plus+ Network and customized support. The framework is said to take advantage of technology in the upcoming iPhone 3.0 firmware, bringing social networking features to gamers. Players will be able to create a profile and then connect or compete with other gamers, while monitoring progress within the games.
“We have a long-term vision for Plus+ Network to grow to become the definitive service for iPhone and iPod touch gamers to discover games and friends, play against each other and ultimately gain success, bragging rights and rewards in the community,” said Joe Keene, the company's COO.
Young recently claimed the iPhone platform is better than dedicated gaming devices such as the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP. Jeffery last year commented that the iPhone is approximately as powerful as SEGA's now-defunct Dreamcast console.
“I am delighted to join ngmoco,” Jeffery said. “It’s a very exciting time to be shaping a new games landscape with a super-talented team.” The company currently lists nine titles in the App Store including Rolando, Star Defense and WordFu.
