LOS ANGELES–Starwave Mobile announced new licensing deals and a move to sell content directly to consumers.
Starwave Mobile gained licensing rights from Beyonce Inc. and Sony BMG to develop and publish a mobile game around the singer. Expected to launch in 2007, Starwave Mobile plans to publish a mobile game incorporating Beyonce’s music and her recently launched fashion line.
Starwave also announced its lineup of mobile content from the 1980s film classic “Scarface.” Starwave licensed the content from Universal Mobile Entertainment, which produced “Scarface.” Starwave, owned by Walt Disney Co., is licensing other brands beyond Disney. “Why not us?” said Larry Shapiro, executive vice president and general manager of Starwave Mobile. “We have the ability, we have the aptitude, we have the carrier relationships.” “Scarface” content includes a mobile game, voicetones and graphics as well as ringtones.
Thumbplay also announced a deal with Walt Disney Internet Group under which Thumbplay will sell selections from Disney and Starwave’s extensive catalog.
