Author Archive

Interview: Misha Lyalin, CEO and Founder of Reaxion

October 18th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in People | No Comments »

Reaxion is a publisher and developer of mobile games. Founded in February 2001, the company has expanded rapidly, having released over 30 games and it was not so long ago that it announced its partnership with Nickelodeon. We speak to Misha Lyalin, CEO and founder of Reaxion about what the future has in store for the game company. More …

Games Set to Lead $4.8 billion Mobile Java Market by 2009

October 14th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Research & Stats | 1 Comment »

New findings from Juniper Research show that Java downloads will generate more than $4.8 billion in mobile revenues by 2009, with mobile games accounting for the vast majority of revenues. The market research firm interviewed over 60 leaders across the mobile industry to formulate a unique market sizing and growth model for the sector.

“Now that most network operators have invested in the infrastructure required to provide Java download services, one of the biggest hurdles that remains is persuading new customers to make their first Java download,” says Carl Potter, senior analyst and author of the report. “But as they begin to take the plunge, 2004 is becoming the year when mobile Java services have really started to take off, both in Europe and North America. The vast majority of service revenue will be generated from mobile games; with Java business applications still very much a developing opportunity.” More …

Namco Mobile Expands Development Team

October 13th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in People | No Comments »

Namco Europe’s Web & Mobile Content Division (WMC) today announced the appointment of Kaarlo Kananen to the newly created position of Development Engineer.

Kaarlo who was born in Finland brings with him a solid background in the games industry. He previously worked as Senior/Lead Programmer at Housemarque where he was working on technology R&D and development of games for different platforms such as PC, Microsoft X-box and Nokia N-Gage. More …

Sorrent Appoints Albert A. ”Rocky” Pimentel Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

October 13th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in People | No Comments »

Leading Mobile Publisher Hires Prominent Executive to Lead Worldwide Financial Operations

Sorrent, Inc., a leading creator and global publisher of mobile entertainment, today announced the appointment of Albert A. “Rocky” Pimentel as executive vice president and chief financial officer. As an eminent financial executive renowned for advising and negotiating successful mergers, acquisitions and initial public offerings, Mr. Pimentel will direct the financial policies and functions of Sorrent worldwide. More …

Strategic mobile phone agreement between SCi and Synergenix Interactive AB

October 12th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Games | No Comments »

Synergenix, an innovative mobile games publisher, today announces a strategic partnership where Synergenix during the coming years will develop and publish a wide range of SCi titles for mobile phones.

The market for mobile phone based games is forecast to grow rapidly. A recent report suggests that over the next five years, there will be a six-fold growth in the mobile games market to a global value of Euros 6.65 billion. (Source: Report by Strategy Analytics in Digital Media News 30 August 2004). The growth is fuelled by games of higher quality, more capable handsets, and an increased consumer willingness to pay for downloadable games.

Under the agreement, SCi will license a number of intellectual properties to Synergenix in return for royalties. Synergenix will completely fund the development and publish the games. More …

Kuju Wireless signs new title by talented Caveman

October 11th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Games | No Comments »

Kuju Wireless Publishing Ltd, the dynamic, wholly owned subsidiary of Kuju Entertainment PLC (AIM: KUJ) today announced the signing of a new game, Climber X, from ambitious mobile developer Caveman Arts.

Kuju Wireless is keen to add new titles from creative developers to its portfolio and selected Climber X for its innovative and enjoyable gameplay. The two-year-old Dundee-based developer was formed with support from the annual Dare to be Digital competition. More …

MFORMA Makes Strategic Investment in Magus-Soft, China’s Leading Mobile Games Developer

October 11th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

MFORMA Group Inc., a leading global publisher and distributor of wireless entertainment content, has made a strategic investment in Magus-Soft, the leading mobile games developer in China. The investment establishes for MFORMA an operating presence in China, allowing it to distribute Java and Brew applications, as well as SMS, WAP, and other interactive mobile applications, throughout China. MFORMA has been working in China for more than a year and formed MFORMA China last June.

Magus-Soft has developed more than 80 mobile games and entertainment applications for the Chinese marketplace for both Java and BREW wireless platforms. Magus-Soft is the number one China-based developer and publisher of mobile entertainment applications and has developed successful applications for multiple genres, including sports, RPG, adventure, arcade, and casino, as well as premium branded titles such as Team China Soccer, and Super League Football. The partnership between MFORMA and Magus-Soft is of key strategic benefit to both parties. MFORMA instantly strengthens its position in the Chinese marketplace and Magus-Soft benefits from MFORMA’s global distribution network and worldwide publishing capabilities. More …

Kids must earn mobile power

October 11th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Trends | No Comments »

Tiffany Morantes, 14, has a cell phone. Sort of.

Her small, silver and light-blue Samsung is in her mother’s possession for a few days of “probation” because Tiffany didn’t obey the rules.

She’s supposed to get in touch with her mom every day after school.

“I’m supposed to call. I forget a lot,” Tiffany said. “She’s always calling me to see if I’m OK.”

Tiffany has been allowed to use the phone on weekdays for necessities only, such as checking in with her mom and dad, as well as on weekends, when minutes are cheaper, for chatting with friends. More …

THQ WIRELESS BRINGS RED FACTION THIRD-PERSON SHOOTER ACTION TO MOBILES

October 8th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Games | No Comments »

THQ Wireless, a leading publisher of mobile games, announced today that the company will develop a mobile version of Red FactionTM, the critically acclaimed action game PCs, consoles and the Nokia N-Gage, from THQ Inc

Airborne Entertainment Acquires Publishing Division of Tira Wireless

October 8th, 2004 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

Company Adds Key Brands, Mobile Games and Applications To Its Growing Roster

Leading mobile publisher Airborne Entertainment announced today it has acquired the rights of the mobile publishing division of Tira Wireless. The acquisition represents a step toward Airborne’s objective of expanding its strength and solidifying its leadership position within the mobile entertainment industry.

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Tira Wireless launched its publishing division in September, 2001, providing wireless applications across a broad range of handsets for the mobile Java marketplace. The publishing division’s impressive line-up of partners includes some of the world’s most recognizable brands such as Cosmopolitan, Cosmo Girl! and TVGuide(R).

The acquisition of Tira Studios is a natural fit for Airborne, a leader in branded mobile content with partners including MAXIM, the NHL, 20th Century Fox, Wine Spectator, The Food Network, A&E, HBO and Activision Value, amongst others. More …