Nokia has extended the deadline for entries to its Mobile Games Innovation Challenge to the 8th of September. The contest is looking for innovative game concepts (actual code isn't required) for S60, Java or N-Gage, with the top 3 concepts getting money and contracts to actually create the games. The concept can take the form of text, mockup images and optionally video too. It's only open to professional development companies though, private individuals cannot enter.
When goods are virtually free, why do people pirate software? Developer Cliff Harris took the simple step on his blog... to ask the pirates why they weren't buying his titles. While the Positech titles in question are for the desktop, the principles should apply to mobile games as well.
The N-Gage platform's first ever adventure game Dirk Dagger And The Fallen Idol is now available to download through the N-Gage application. If you can't see it in the app's showroom, click on "Options" and then "Update Now". If you still can't see it, click on "Available Games".
You can now play the excellent N-Gage multiplayer title Reset Generation for free through Facebook (click here to visit the game's Facebook page) and Google Gadgets (click here to visit the game's Google Gadgets page). You can also put it on your own website or blog for free by copying the HTML code included below, and of course you can play it on your phone through the N-Gage application. All versions of the game share the same game world, so it should be very easy to find opponents.
This may sound like a spoof listing from TV Go Home, but it's absolutely true: Nokia presents a series of short videos aimed at mobile game developers, this week featuring Miikka Skaffari, Head of Developer Product Management. Episode 1 sees host Arnold Faber quizzing Miikka about the N-Gage platform's new development tools, APIs and SDK. In a sauna.
In All About Symbian Insight #35 (AAS Podcast #88) Rafe, Steve and Ewan chat about the launch of the N-Gage's Reset Generation, carbon offsetting from your phone, the continuing importance of voice and the Nokia Music client/store.
Well, you hire umpteen Flash programmers, you've got to give them something to do each month.... This new affair has multiple 'video' screens showing reality clips shot on the London Underground, each (vaguely) promoting FIFA 08 and N-Gage in general. Strangely, they're still giving the game away for free! (via Darla)
Over on sister site All About N-Gage, editor Tzer2 plays through all twelve levels of new N-Gage game Bounce Boing Voyage, proclaiming it a brilliant debut for the developers Rovio. With colourful graphics, good sound, smooth animation and clever puzzles it's clearly super value for money at only 7 Euros. There are three bonus N-Gage Arena levels, too, with an online competition for highest scores. A certifiable hit.
The Nokia 5320 XpressMusic has the lowest launch price so far of any S60 device, and is squarely aimed at the mainstream market. It's a music-oriented device, with external playback controls, a dedicated audio chip and a 3.5mm headphone socket. It will also become a slightly gaming-oriented phone later this year, when the N-Gage application becomes available for it. All About Symbian has put it through its paces, and you can find out how it did by reading our review. If you have any questions about the device, post them in the comments thread of this news item and we will try to answer them.
Over on our 'other' domain, All About N-Gage, Ewan has reviewed the biggest N-Gage game so far, Reset Generation. With a colourful portfolio of characters and assorted superpowers, and with both N-Gage client and Java client (for playing in any web browser on any PC), Reset Generation is a super-full multi-player strategy game that's well worth taking note of. Did it achieve 90% and a Mega-game? Read the review to find out! Have you tried it yet? Leave a comment below.
Nokia's arguably missed a trick by not promoting Reset Generation's embedding ability, which lets you put the entire full game (including multiplayer online) on your own blog or site using a tiny bit of HTML code. You can find out how to embed the game by clicking on this item's headline, and if you've already embedded the game you might want to post a link to your site in the comments thread.
The long-awaited online multiplayer puzzle/strategy game Reset Generation is now available from the N-Gage application's showroom (use the "Update Now" option if you can't see it). UPDATE: The PC version has also now launched, you can play it through your browser for free on All About N-Gage (Windows only, but it works with both Firefox and IE). The PC version is identical to the N-Gage version, including online multiplayer.
