Big boost for Big Fish

Balderton Capital, General Catalyst Partners and Salmon River Capital are the three firms stepping up to pump big money into the firm, famous for its 'a game a day' release strategy that sees a new casual PC title released via the web every day of the week.

Seattle, US-based Big Fish's most popular games include the hugely popular Mystery Case Files - and now the company plans to forge ahead with getting its brands known outside the US. It has just opened a new Japanese version of its portal and leased a new engineering facility in Vancouver, Canada.

The investment is said to be the US state of Washington's biggest VC payout this year.

"After an extensive search, we are delighted to announce our new partners," said Jeremy Lewis, president and CEO of Big Fish Games in the official announcement of the investment.

"Together they share our vision for building a transformative entertainment company serving the international community of game developers and consumers."

Speaking to the Seattle-Post Intelligencer, however, Lewis said the money wouldn't necessarily be used to grow via expansion - at least not within the traditional casual space - although he didn't rule out acquisitions.

"Big Fish Games has a remarkably deep and talented management team and the company is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the worldwide growth of online interactive entertainment," added Mark Evans, general partner of Balderton Capital, who will join the Big Fish Games Board of Directors.

"We, along with General Catalyst and Salmon River, are thrilled with the opportunity to partner with the Big Fish Games team and contribute to their rapid growth and market leadership."