bitHeads Acquires Bedlam Games and Playbrains, Forms New Technology and Media Company

OTTAWA, Ontario and TORONTO, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- bitHeads, inc., an award-winning custom software application development company, today announced the acquisition of Bedlam Games and Playbrains Inc., creating one merged technology company called Ascension CrossMedia Inc.

The combined entity is an immediate leader in connected media products and services and will grow both of its existing Ontario offices in Toronto and Ottawa.

"We wanted to continue to grow the technology side of our business that we have had for over 15 years while creating new avenues for growth in the media side of our business through Playbrains," said Scott Simpson, Co-CEO of the merged company. "In this new structure, we can continually invest in our technology creation for clients on both sides of our business to deliver better products for end consumers."

Ascension CrossMedia will focus on delivering high-quality, custom development services through its bitHeads brand and plans to aggressively grow its service delivery capability to new and existing clients which exist in multiple business domains. Current bitHeads clients include Bridgewater Systems, Research In Motion, Box.net, The New York Times and Rent.com (an eBay company), delivering products and services as varied as networking and telecom systems, cloud technology, and mobile applications.

"We created Bedlam four years ago to make great, innovative games.  In that time we've seen increased demand from publishers and consumers who want a deeper, persistent, game experience across multiple platforms.  With Ascension, we can deliver on all fronts," said Trevor Fencott, Co-CEO.

Ascension's entertainment group is slated to release four downloadable console titles in 2011, including "Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale" for Atari under its Bedlam brand and "Sideway: New York" for Sony Online Entertainment under its Playbrains brand. The company is also creating technologies to connect console, Facebook and mobile games for iPhone and other devices.

The companies will formally announce the merged entity at the GameON:Finance event in Toronto later today.

Ascension CrossMedia is represented by the leading business and talent agency for video games and digital entertainment, Digital Development Management.

About Ascension CrossMedia

Ascension CrossMedia is a world leader in connected transmedia technology and is committed to creating engaging products across business and technology domains. Information about Ascension CrossMedia and its brands can be found at www.ascensioncrossmedia.com.

About bitHeads

bitHeads, inc. is an award-winning custom application development company founded in 1995. It has won numerous employment awards, including MediaCorp's Top 100 Employers in Canada. Information about bitHeads and its services can be found at www.bitheads.com.

About Bedlam Games

Bedlam Games is a developer of frontline console games for the Microsoft Xbox™360, Sony PlayStation®3 and the Nintendo Wii™ platforms.  Information on Bedlam Games is available at www.bedlamgames.com.

About Playbrains

Playbrains is an indie game studio that creates downloadable games for Microsoft XBLA, Sony PSN and iOS and Android devices. Information on Playbrains is available at www.playbrains.com.

SOURCE Ascension CrossMedia