Several game developers have announced that they will work on the new Nokia N-Gage platform (pictured). Names such as Activision, Eidos, Sega, Taito and THQ have committed themselves to the new platform.
The announcement is a boost to Nokia, for whom the N-Gage is something of a new departure. A hybrid between a games console and a mobile phone, the new device is an attempt to capitalise upon the expected mobile games boom while capturing some of the market held by Nintendo’s Game Boy.
While no word yet was available from Activision and Eidos, THQ confirmed that three of its leading wireless games titles, MotoGP, MLBPA Players Choice Baseball and Red Faction will be available when the N-Gage starts shipping. The first Taito titles will include Puzzle Bobble VS, a fighting action multiplayer puzzle game and Taito Memories.
Games for Nokia N-Gage game deck will be sold separately on game cards (using the multimedia card standard). Nokia will also act as a game publisher to create branded N-Gage game titles and develop an evolving games portfolio. Nokia N-Gage game deck devices and game titles will be available in major retail outlets, game-specific and video game retail outlets, as well as in regular mobile phone delivery channels in all major markets.
Besides gaming, the Nokia N-Gage mobile game deck also features a digital music player (MP3/AAC) and stereo FM radio, as well as a tri-band GSM 900/1800/1900 mobile phone. The Nokia N-Gage game deck is planned to be available in volumes across five continents in the fourth quarter.
By Dick O’Brien
