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Six Degrees Games Nets $7 Million Funding

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By Tom Ivan

August 6, 2008

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At least $345 million was invested in virtual worlds-related companies during the first half of 2008, according to figures from Virtual Worlds Management

Virtual world publisher Six Degrees Games has secured $7 million in series A equity financing led by Clearstone Venture Partners and Prism VentureWorks.

The funds will support the product development, launch and distribution of Action AllStars, an original sports-themed virtual world designed for six to 14 year-olds, but open to all ages.

The project is currently in closed beta. and further details will become available over the next several months.

"It's an exciting time for our entire Six Degrees Games team as we drive toward the launch of an all-new, interactive sports-themed virtual world," said Minard Hamilton, CEO and co-founder of the Marina del Rey, CA-based publisher. "In Clearstone and Prism, we have found partners that not only share our vision, but will also add immeasurably to our successful execution."

Hamilton is the former GM of ESPN International, and more recently served as executive VP of distribution and marketing at JAMDAT Mobile, which was acquired by EA in 2006. The Six Degrees team includes president Ben Jones and chief technical officer Joe Bose, also former JAMDAT Mobile employees, while creative director Mark Koerner is an ex- Naughty Dog production designer and VP of product development David Ortiz is a former EA, SCE and Microsoft staffer.

As part of the financing agreement, Jim Armstrong, managing director of Clearstone, and Will Kohler, principal Prism VentureWorks, have joined the company's board of directors.

"Six Degrees Games is poised to offer the youth market a virtual sports world that surpasses current offerings," said Kohler. “Minard, Ben and the Six Degrees Games team have worked with major participants in the world of sports, leagues and brands and understand how to build high-growth, successful companies."

Virtual world investment has soared in recent years - $1 billion was invested in virtual world companies in the 12 months to October 2007, while at least $345 million was invested in virtual worlds-related companies during the first half of 2008, according to figures from Virtual Worlds Management.