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Google: A game publisher?

September 09, 2008 in News comments 12

Google a game publisher? Its not as crazy as it sounds. Google has already released "Google lively" and it has some potential to become a game publisher, as Chris Morris says.

With Google increasingly willing to explore areas beyond its search engine roots, I've started wondering: Is Google as a videogame publisher within the realm of possibility?

It's not as crazy as it might sound.

Google (nasdaq: GOOG - news - people ) already has its toes dipped in the gaming waters on a couple of fronts. "Google Lively," an avatar-based social interaction site, launched in July and appears to target "Second Life" players. And in March 2007, the Internet king acquired in-game advertising firm Adscape for $23 million.

So far, Google hasn't done much with either. After an initial surge, "Lively" users are minimal--and Adscape has been quiet since the takeover. But the understated nature of these divisions could be temporary.
SSJ3 Trunks via forbes.com »
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Most recently commented on by on Sep 12, 2008

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  • 0
    Newcloud Sep 9, 08
    if disney can do it why not google
  • 0
    Chris717 Sep 9, 08
    Maybe its a game where you have to find a page in the search engine within a time limit.
  • 0
    BlackLabel Sep 9, 08
    They have the money to buy any game licence on the planet hell they could get into games development. They could even make a games console if they wanted.
  • 0
    iLLmatic Sep 9, 08
    Surprised they're not already in the industry. Google has money to do whatever they want, and gaming is a thriving business. I bet they're publishing would help out a lot of devs. Though it would look funny with google on the box.
    • 0
      BlackLabel Sep 10, 08
      I am sure they would probably create a sister company that would be different to Google, the only difference would be that this sister company has unlimited funds to follow any project they deem worthy.
  • 0
    Shattered Sep 10, 08
    Wow. Google's going to be thrilled when they meet Microsfot's 360.
  • 0
    Final Blade Sep 10, 08
    INB4 Google being the new EA of the gaming world.


  • 1
    Bunnyburn Sep 10, 08
    Google is eventually gonna take over the world, tbh.
  • 0
    Slumpy monkey Sep 10, 08
    I can imagine it now,

    Google would be a good EA.
    Everyone loves google right?
  • 1
    tekmosis Sep 10, 08
    My first gut instinct is to go "ugh...." just because Google is into pretty much *everything*. On the flip side, Google doesn't piss off their users and people generally seem to love them. I don't see why they couldn't get into the gaming industry. I would definitely be curious to see what they could come up with.
  • 0
    Twisted Sep 10, 08
    A Google video game? Sound interesting. I don't really care what they do, if it isn't good then I just won't buy it.

    Hopefully they do put out something really good though.
  • 0
    tRaViS_p0w3ll Sep 12, 08
    Everyone esle is publishing so why not Google, one of the best money maker$

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