Dave Williams will run the Games Group, which encompasses all paid and subscription gaming initiatives across platforms including online, PC, handheld and consoles. The division will focus on the creation of family-orientated games around existing and new properties.

Kyra Reppen will head up the Virtual Worlds Group, managing all company virtual world initiatives for kids and families. The group will focus on the innovation of the company"s existing worlds and on developing original properties.

"With these two dedicated teams, our new gaming and virtual world divisions will further enable us to create even more relevant content and foster innovation in the virtual world and gaming spaces," said Steve Youngwood, executive vice president of Digital Media.

"Dave and Kyra have built great momentum in their respective areas, and will provide more engaging experiences for our audiences in their expanded leadership roles."

Nickelodeon recently announced plans to add 1,600 new games in 2008 to its library of 5,000 games and an investment of mmoabc00 million in the casual games space.