MMO Life B.V., operator of regionalized and demographically-targeted portals for massively multiplayer online (MMO) and role-playing games (RPG), today announced a €1 million ($1.3 million USD) round of initial funding led by investors Klaas Kersting and Alexander Roesner of gaming pioneer Gameforge, and ex-Endemol media executive Pim Schmitz. The funding will allow MMO Life to accelerate deployment of its network of gaming portals, build its team and make strategic third-party investments.

MMO Life's family of portals will deliver news, reviews and rich-media demos for MMOs and MMORPGs throughout Western Europe and North America, and in several local languages. MMOhub.org, the company's first portal, launched in late 2008; other MMO Life-operated portals will go live in the coming months.

"Even in this challenging global economic environment, MMO and MMORPG games continue to be popular and financially viable," said Simon Usiskin, CEO, MMO Life. "The experience and know-how of Klaas, Alexander and Pim will undoubtedly help MMO Life grow. This initial funding enables MMO Life to deliver the right content to the right user and introduce MMO gaming to a new and wider audience."

Gameforge's Klaas Kersting adds, "I strongly believe in MMO Life's strategy for driving online traffic and revenues. As importantly, I support the team behind the company. I will work closely with MMO Life to help their portfolio of portals become the MMO destination of choice for all gamers – from beginner to advanced skill levels."