Nokia launches online distribution for N-Gage games — MobileMonday Global: Industry News

^{Gaming moving to other Nokia phones} Nokia launches online distribution for N-Gage games

6 Jun 2006 at 18:50 GMT Timo Poropudas

Nokia has launched its first global digital retail distribution channel for N-Gage games. N-Gage owners can now trial, purchase and download games from www.n-gage.com/gameshop.

To access N-Gage content, N-Gage owners simply browse the online catalogs to see what is available and then download their choices to a PC. With a compatible memory card reader and memory card, game files can then be installed to the N-Gage game deck. The price of games ranges from 20 to 30 euros per game and purchases can be made directly using a credit card.

“As we move forward with our next generation of mobile gaming, we continue to offer N-Gage owners easy ways to get games,” says Jukka Hosio from Nokia Multimedia. “The N-Gage platform is recognized worldwide for its high-quality mobile gaming content. By making these games available for download over the Internet, we’re making it easier for N-Gage owners to find and purchase new games.”

From the new distribution channel, N-Gage users can purchase game decks and accessories.

There has been speculation that Nokia will leave the N-Gage as a separate gaming platform behind and focus on bringing gaming to it S60 platform. Nokia’s press release seems to support the rumors, at least to some extent. Today’s press release states that Nokia continues to develop and expand the N-Gage platform and the connected mobile gaming experience.

“Best of all, the solution will work with a number of Nokia multimedia devices, thus giving consumers the freedom to choose a multimedia device that best suits their individual needs.”