Skyworks Interactive
{{Short description|Defunct American video game developer}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Skyworks Interactive
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| industry = Video game industry
| predecessor =
| founded = {{Start date and age|1995}} in United States
| founders = David Crane and Garry Kitchen
| defunct = {{End date|2014}}
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| products = Arcade Hoops Basketball
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| subsid = Advergame.com
| website =
}}
{{Portal|Video games}}
Skyworks Interactive, Inc., formerly Skyworks Technologies, was a video game developer established in 1995, best known for producing advergames for websites.
It was established by David Crane and Garry Kitchen in 1995, following the shutdown of Absolute Software. The two jointly developed the advergaming business model,Gardner, Elizabeth (Feb 1, 2000), "Understanding the Net's TOughest Customer", Internet World, Vol. 6, Iss. 3, 66-75 where their games were played for free, but licensed to other companies' websites.Hunt, Stuart (2010). "In the Chair With... David Crane". Retro Gamer. No. 79. Imagine Publishing Ltd. ISSN 1742-3155. Their first gaming portal was Candystand, launched in 1997 by The Lifesavers Company. The website evolved from a premium CD-ROM Skyworks developed for Lifesavers the previous year, which raised interest between the two parties involved to create a dedicated website.[https://kidscreen.com/2004/01/01/skyworks-20040101/ Promo Partner Personals: Skyworks’ sponsored gaming model soars on-line]Warner, B. (July 21, 1997). To sell or not to sell. Brandweek, 38(29), 22-24.
Skyworks later launched further advergaming websites following on from Candystand's success: NabiscoWorld in 1999 followed by Postopia and TooMunchFun in 2001. As of 2003, Skyworks had a catalog of 60 proprietary games which were later reskinned depending on the needs of the sponsor. The target received an exclusivity clause for the sector it operated (soft drink, food, etc.) and integrate its branding to the game.
In 2005, Skyworks formed its subsidiary Advergame.com, due to the growth of its non-advergame activities.[https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/skyworks-technologies-forms-advergame-com-subsidiary Skyworks Technologies Forms Advergame.com Subsidiary] In August 2006, it was announced that Gottaplay was acquiring Skyworks.[https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/gottaplay-to-acquire-skyworks-technologies Gottaplay To Acquire Skyworks Technologies] In 2007, ESPN took over the rights of Skyworks' sports game website, Rcade.com, being renamed ESPN Arcade in the process.[https://www.sportsvideo.org/2007/06/18/espn-com-launches-espn-arcade/ ESPN.com Launches ESPN Arcade] Subsequently in 2009, Arkadium bought Advergame.com, as Skyworks had been auctioning off its domain name.[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/paidcontent-arkadium-acquires-advergamecom/ Arkadium Acquires Advergame.com]
In late 2008, Skyworks entered the iPhone business with the release of their first game title, Arcade Hoops Basketball.Lawrence, C. (2010, Oct 20). N.J. GAME DEVELOPERS BECOME BIG PLAYERS. The Bergen Record.In 2010, the company filed for bankruptcy.[https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/almID/1202463769527/ Firm Sanctioned for Bad Faith Bankruptcy Filing Against Former Client] The company closed in 2014.