Ever since the Wii launched, casual gaming has become a major force in the industry, with numerous publishers now putting far more focus into creating simple family-friendly games. Take-Two Interactive has had some presence in the budget/casual market with its Global Star Software label, but with the casual games market growing so rapidly the company is now focusing on it even more, this week announcing the formation of 2K Play, a new publishing label dedicated to casual gaming, and inking a handheld and console video game licensing agreement with Nickelodeon.
Games based on the popular Nick Jr. preschool shows Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! will be the first titles published under the new 2K Play brand when they release this fall. As part of the move, 2K Play has absorbed the Global Star label and Cat Daddy Games studio, adding the Carnival Games brand and PC games based on the Deal or No Deal franchise to its portfolio.
“We welcome our new partnership with 2K Play,” said Shaul Olmert, Vice President/Digital Media products for Nickelodeon and MTVN Kids and Family Group. “This is the first time Go, Diego, Go! is coming to handheld and console systems and will mark Dora the Explorer’s debut on the popular Nintendo DS™ system. We are excited to welcome 2K Play into our growing family of innovative digital products.”
“The 2K Play label targets the growing market of casual gamers interested in accessible, high-quality products,” said Christoph Hartmann, President of 2K. “It will be home to games that are fun and engaging for players of varied skill types and ages. Our exciting initiative with Nick Jr. will offer a host of games featuring world-famous brands that appeal to the family-friendly gamer.”
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
