Gazillion Entertainment and Temasek Holdings Announce Partnership

Singapore’s Temasek Holdings has led a round of an investment round of USD 60M into US-based Gazillion Entertainment. Gazillion is a privately held developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games for all ages. One of its studios is behind the MMO game based on the iconic LEGO brand of toys, LEGO Universe. Next year, will also see the launch of Super Hero Squad Online, the first game to be published under the Gazillion’s ten-year exclusive worldwide license agreement with Marvel Entertainment.

Amongst its activities this year, Temasek also invested in Chinese video site Tudou and US biofuel company Amyris Biotechnologies. More details on this latest Gazillion investment below.

San Francisco, CA – November 5, 2010 – Gazillion Entertainment, a leading developer, publisher and operator of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, announced that a group of investors, led by Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has invested $60 million into the company.

“Massively multiplayer online games have become one of the most profitable entertainment formats in many worldwide markets. At Gazillion we’ve focused our creative energy on bringing a signature style and playability to our MMOs so these experiences can be shared by all kinds of gamers,” said Rob Hutter, Founder and CEO of Gazillion. “We’re pleased to welcome Temasek as we enter a key phase of expansion for the company.”

Mike Vorhaus, President of Magid Advisors, a unit of Frank N. Magid Associates, commented, “We believe Temasek’s investment in Gazillion, which has developed one of the best portfolios of online games for all ages, underscores Gazillion’s emergence as a major MMO player globally.”

Last month, Gazillion’s NetDevil studio celebrated the release of LEGO Universe, the paramount MMO game based on the iconic LEGO brand of toys. LEGO Universe is published by the LEGO Group and has just been released in North America and Europe throughout LEGO channels and mass market retailers. LEGO Universe has received significant videogame industry and audience recognition, including “Best MMO Game” of E3 from 1UP and E3’s “Best New MMO” from Massively, in addition to garnering important awards in Europe.

In the first quarter of 2011, Gazillion launches Super Hero Squad Online, the first game to be published under the company’s ten-year exclusive worldwide license agreement with Marvel Entertainment. Super Hero Squad Online, which is in private trials, draws upon the 8,000-plus heroes and villains in the Marvel Universe. For the first time in an MMO experience, players take on the role of iconic Super Heroes in a living online world. Super Hero Squad Online is being developed by Gazillion’s Amazing Society studio.

With its investment, Temasek Holdings joins Gazillion’s major backers Oak Investments, Hearst Corporation, Revolution Ventures, Pelion Ventures, and the Abu Dhabi Media Company.

About Gazillion

Gazillion Entertainment is a privately held developer and publisher of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games for all ages. Gazillion’s MMOs feature revered brands and original properties, superior production quality and unmatched gameplay. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Gazillion has development studios in California, Colorado, and Washington.

About Temasek

Incorporated in 1974, Temasek Holdings is an Asian investment company headquartered in Singapore. Supported by 12 affiliates and offices in Asia and Latin America, Temasek owns a diversified US$132 billion portfolio as at 31 March 2010, concentrated principally in Singapore, Asia and the emerging economies.

Temasek’s investment themes centre on Transforming Economies, Growing Middle Income Populations, Deepening Comparative Advantages and Emerging Champions. Its portfolio covers a broad spectrum of industries: financial services; telecommunications, media & technology; transportation & industrials; life sciences, consumer & real estate; energy & resources.

Total shareholder return for Temasek since its inception in 1974 has been a healthy 17% compounded annually. It has a corporate credit rating of AAA/Aaa by rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s respectively.