Bubble Gum Interactive inks Telstra deal

Sydney-based games studio Bubble Gum Interactive has partnered with Telstra BigPond to raise the profile of its first title across Australia, but also has its sights set on international markets.

Bubble Gum Interactive is an independent developer of children’s games, founded by Phil Mason and based in Sydney, with significant backing from Sydney Angels.

Its first game, Little Space Heroes, enables kids to create their own hero and explore a galaxy.

The company has entered into a partnership with Telstra BigPond, which will promote Little Space Heroes across its online networks in exchange for an undisclosed share of the revenue.

Paul Gray, director of community at Bubble Gum Interactive, says the partnership will be in place for about 12 months but he hopes it will continue beyond this.

“We knew about GameArena, Telstra’s big game portal. We got some conservations going and it went from there,” Gray says.

“Telstra is a huge established brand, and has a good reputation with kids and families. It was the best potential partner in the country because of its size and reach, and it’s very committed to games as well.”

“It’s a typical business model so Telstra takes a share of the revenue from premium subscriptions but [Little Space Heroes] also provides content for their portal.”

“I think they liked how much effort we’ve put into making it age-appropriate. There’s no violence or bad content – it’s a moderated game.”

According to Telstra BigPond games manager Brent Artindale, BigPond is “dedicated to bringing the very best games and entertainment to Australian audiences”.

“Little Space Heroes is an amazing new online adventure for kids that is fun and safe, and we’re sure it will be a hit with families,” Artindale said in a statement.

Gray points out that the partnership is not exclusive, so Bubble Gum Interactive is free to do deals with other companies. But according to Gray, the company has bigger fish to fry.

“This is it for Australia – we wouldn’t actively form other partnerships in Australia. We’re talking to other people in other countries.”

“We’re focusing on the biggest markets, including the UK, Canada and the USA, as well as places like the Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong.”

“The places are either Western and established, or have high levels of the English language.”