JAMDAT Mobile

About JAMDAT Mobile

JAMDAT Mobile Inc. was a global publisher of entertainment applications for wireless devices, including games, ringtones, and other mobile content. Founded in March 2000 by ex-Activision executives Scott Lahman and Zack Norman, along with Austin Murray, the company was a pioneer in the mobile gaming industry. Mitch Lasky, another former Activision executive, joined as CEO in November 2000 and led the company through its significant growth phase.

The company's business model centered on developing and publishing a diverse portfolio of mobile applications. It created original intellectual properties, such as the successful 'JAMDAT Bowling', and licensed well-established brands from third parties, including 'Tetris', 'Bejeweled', 'The Lord of the Rings', and 'Tony Hawk's Underground'. JAMDAT distributed its products through major wireless carriers like Verizon and Sprint, where customers could download applications and have the fees added to their phone bills. This strategy proved successful, with the company generating 50% of its revenue in the first half of 2004 from its own branded applications. By 2004, its games were compatible with approximately 300 different phone models.

JAMDAT experienced rapid growth, marked by strategic acquisitions to expand its portfolio and market reach. It acquired Montreal-based studio Hexacto in May 2003 and Blue Lava Wireless in April 2005, a deal that secured the exclusive 15-year worldwide mobile rights to the 'Tetris' license. The company went public on the NASDAQ (JMDT) in October 2004, raising $89 million and achieving a valuation of over $400 million. This success culminated in its acquisition by Electronic Arts (EA) in a deal announced in December 2005 and completed on February 15, 2006, for approximately $680 million in cash. Following the acquisition, JAMDAT was integrated into EA's mobile division, with Mitch Lasky appointed to lead the combined worldwide mobile games business, and the JAMDAT name was retired.