Going the distance

MTV has $500 million earmarked for games that tie into its popular slate of programming, reports USA Today.

The games based on MTV's shows will, under a new edict, no longer be add-ons. Instead they'll be developed at the same time and with the same vigor as the shows themselves.

The network is investing the time and money to better reach its audience across media. MTV also sees casual gaming as a way to solidify its dominance in the teen/young adult category.