US-based media conglomerate the Hearst Corporation is among the investors who have financed an undisclosed amount of series B funding for US-based gaming studio Diversion.
Hearst was joined by US-based investment firm Tornante Company, venture capital firm Tomorrow Ventures and angel investors Marcy Carsey and Art Bilger.
Tornante, founded by former chief executive officer of Disney, Michael Eisner, had previously backed Diversion with $300,000 in seed funding in October last year. Tomorrow Ventures meanwhile acts as the investment vehicle for Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google.
Founded in 2010, Diversion develops social media-based online games. The best known is FameTown, in which the player attempts to become a Hollywood producer while its latest game, The A-List, involves building a career starring in fictional films. Both games allow for tie-in opportunities with real life film releases.
The funding coincided with an announcement that Diversion had closed a $1m advertising deal with Sony Pictures. Diversion plans to use the capital to further develop its entertainment-themed social games while expanding the company’s scope.