Twistbox acquires InfoSpace Games US
January 24th, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | 4 Comments »
Rumors stated it for a long time, but finally the acquisition of InfoSpace Games US (also known as the Atlas Mobile Studio) is official. The new parents are Twistbox. The UK studio (IOMO Mobile) is still under negotiation, but that deal is also expected to follow shortly. The studio will report directly to Twistbox Games in Germany. Interesting detail is the fact that infoSpace used to have a German studio as well (Elkware) which closed around the time they lost the Cingular deal.
I-Play releases Ricochet: Lost Worlds
January 24th, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Games | No Comments »
I-Play just releases the Real Arcade smash hit Ricochet for mobile phones. Ricochet looks like a vertical space shooter at first sight, but is more of a brick braking puzzle game which has been dominating the Real Arcade charts for 137 weeks in a row.
InfoSpace Extends Virgin Content Deal
January 23rd, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Analysis & Editorial | No Comments »
Good news on the front of InfoSpace for a change as InfoSpace just inked down a nice deal with Virgin Mobile in the UK. In the deal, Virgin commits to let InfoSpace run its BITES storefront for another five years. InfoSpace controls all mobile content on this mobile storefront. Even though this is not entirely mobile gaming relates, it does feel nice to write something positive about this company who is plagued with bad news lately.
Kuju Officially Ends Mobile Games Business
January 23rd, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »
Kuju has officially announced to close it’s mobile games business that served under the name Kuju Wireless. This is a logical standpoint after Kevin Holloway left Kuju Wireless back in 2005, taking most (branded) mobile games and distribution deals with him to form Finesse Mobile. In an article on MobileIndustry, Kuju boss Ian Baverstock explains about the official termination of Kuju’s mobile adventures.
The iPhone with Peter Cohen
January 23rd, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Analysis & Editorial | No Comments »
Our friends at Quicklybored did an interview with MacAholic Peter Cohen. Peter is known for his GameRoom columns in MacWorld Magazine. QB goes deep into the possibilities (which are confirmed to be very limited) for smaller developers to get their mobile games on the iPhone.
The Shame Game
January 23rd, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Analysis & Editorial | No Comments »
On the good old w2forum there is a lively discussion going on about malicious partners in our little industry. How can developers claim money for sales on their mobile games with a non-paying partner, or even from pirate sites? There is a whole thread about it.
Kiloo to unleash Lego Bionicle Arena
January 22nd, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Games | No Comments »
Yesterday I got a call from Kiloo, stating they are about to release their biggest game to date called Lego Bionicle Arena. As I am still a pretty big fan of these little bricks, I asked them to send me a version right away.
Kiloo and Commodore rumors confirmed
January 22nd, 2007 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Games | No Comments »
Today we received a press release to confirm the rumors we published earlier. Kiloo and Commodore Gaming have started cooporating together to bring old school Commodore 64 games to the mobile phone. In the next 36 months, Kiloo will co-publish over 20 titles. The first ones to hit the streets are Jupiter Lander, Triad and Jack Attack.
Music for Mobile Games – Past, Present and Future:
January 22nd, 2007 by Jim Paterson Posted in Games | 6 Comments »
Music on early mobile games was often not much better than the annoying ring-tones we used to hear everywhere. No wonder people looked for the off switch! But as devices have improved in sophistication their music capabilities have grown significantly too, and many phones these days double as mp3 players. People now expect their games to be every bit as sophisticated as their phones, and that means games must look good and sound good too. You need to think carefully about the right kind of music to enhance your game, something that adds to the immersive experience and helps to keep the game-player coming back for "just one more game". And you need to find an experienced composer who understands the practical aspects of music on mobile platforms.
Disclaimer:Arjan Olsder is the Vice President of Pixalon Studios. Opinions expressed on this publication do not have to represent those of Pixalon Studios. |
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