Playwize looking for business

It appears that Playwize plc, the AIM-listed games developer with links to Microgaming may be gearing up to market its reportedly exciting new animated 3d poker software package which was the subject of much publicity last year.

The company is apparently seeking shareholder authority to raise additional capital for further development projects and marketing initiatives aimed attracting licensees to the new product, which could ultimately see additional sites joining the Microgaming Poker Network.

The company, formerly known as Bits Corp plc is one of the UK's leading video games designers, having developed innovative and exciting games for consoles such as XBOX, PS2 and Nintendo GameCube. Last year company spokesmen promised a new 3d poker brand that would compete with the aesthetically appealing PKR brand and be available to licensees for an upfront payment plus royalties agreement. Beta testing was projected for the second half of 2006, with an arrangement for the MPN to look after all backend operations giving significant player liquidity to thoroughly test the product.

Last year, Playwize boasted that its new product could herald the end of 2d poker, commenting: "Games developed under the Playwize brand will change the look of online gaming with realistic 3-D environments and other unique features. With Pokerwize, the company's first new offering, players will experience a revolutionary new way to enjoy the game, including real-time voice chat, full statistics calculator, and an in-depth 3-D tutorial with TV and poker celebrity Helen Chamberlain."

Bold words. Now comes the delivery....

As we went to press, the company had not responded to a request for comment or further information.