In this in-depth editorial feature Krisse asks whether non-portable game systems are doomed? Home consoles and home computers have played such a big part in the history of gaming, it seems inconceivable that they would ever disappear. But is gaming about to become 100% mobile?
Just a note that I've done a big update to my 3-Lib 'S60 History' page, detailing the specs and features of every S60 smartphone since the 7650. Comments welcome!
Google has rolled out a new version of its mobile optimized search site, including a simpler interface, new result page layouts, location awareness, quick links to build a mobile customized homepage and easy access to Gmail mobile. In your smartphone's web browser, type google.com/m
Ikona, one of the big cheeses over at the N-Gage Arena, posted to the N-Gage Blog recently about an unannounced (first party?) game codenamed Project White Rock for Nokia's next gen gaming platform. Details were scarce, but it's being produced by Scott Foe, who produced the N-Gage's biggest hit Pocket Kingdom (which was the world's first mobile MMO). White Rock also appears to involve RedLynx, the Finnish developers who produced the N-Gage's most critically acclaimed game, Pathway To Glory, and another acclaimed title called High Seize. Ikona hinted that White Rock might be released for the PC as well as N-Gage.
Nokia has released details of a 'realignment of its North America sales and marketing organization'. Which, as far as I can see, basically means moving all its staff to New York. I see Stefan has a similarly sceptical view on the announcement...
Nokia’s SNAP system always developers easy access to features that a mobile multiplayer game would need – identify, server, high score tables, and more esoteric functions (think of it as a bit like the Nokia Arena on steroids). To aid this, they’ve announced a two part testing program for ‘mobile connected games;’ a self-testing process coupled with a final external Testing House final certification. SNAP mobile will run on the N-Gage Platform, but also on regular S60 and S40 devices from Nokia, and this is an obvious move to stop poorly implemented games having a negative impression on the new market.
Nokia has issued a press release today revealing some of the first 3rd Party games due on the Next Gen N-Gage gaming platform: Asphalt 3, Brothers In Arms: Hell's Highway, Brain Challenge, Midnight Pool and FIFA 2008. Also, publishers Indiagames and THQ Wireless have now officially announced their support for the platform, joining Gameloft, EA and Glu Mobile. Nokia's Gregg Sauter is due to give a speech at the Game Developers Conference later today in San Francisco, where he will presumably give more details on this and other Next Gen gaming matters.
According to a recent report on Gamesindustry.biz, the mobile games publisher Glu Mobile has announced its support for Nokia's Next Gen games platform. EA and Gameloft have already officially committed to the platform, and a document seen by All About Symbian last year suggested that Sony, Square Enix, THQ and Activision would also publish games on it. A Pocket Gamer report earlier this year revealed that Disney, Sega, Sony, Universal, Square Enix, Capcom, THQ, Glu Mobile, Digital Chocolate, EA, Tecmo and Namco all attended a secret Nokia Next Gen games platform workshop in January 2007.
Krisse reviews this top flight S60 game and finds beautifully rendered scenes, great music, a good plot and a unique interface. Will anything spoil the idyll?
