Game-focused social media marketer Engage Digital Media has released their 2009 Virtual Goods Investment Report. As reported in Industry Gamers, the firm s research shows investment in virtual goods companies more than tripled from 2008 to reach nearly $1.4 billion last year.  The number of those that attracted investment also spiked from 34 to 87 companies. Engage Digital CEO Christopher Sherman said investment went into game development, virtual currency, payment services and social nets. He added that 18 companies operating in the space were involved in acquisitions. Industry Gamers lists the year s significant transactions, topped by Digital Sky Technologies putting $200 million in Facebook and $180 million in Zynga, and EA s $300 million acquisition of Playfish.