SAN JOSE, Calif.—Nokia Corp. unveiled a new software development kit (SDK) for game-makers looking to create 3-D titles for the manufacturer’s smart phones.
The SDK, which was announced at the Game Developers Conference, includes debugging and analyzing tools as well as information based on C++ programming libraries.
Nokia also showcased a new interface designed to allow gamers to discover and purchase games more easily.
“With our new consumer interface, you get quick access to new games and information, it’s easy to buy and manage your games, and share game accomplishments with your friends,” said Gregg Sauter, Nokia’s director of games publishing. “This new consumer interface is going to transform the way people find and play mobile games.”
The new user interface will be included in a series of new titles and Nokia devices on a next-generation mobile gaming platform slated to be released in the first half of next year.Disappointing revenues from mobile gaming have been a focus at the GDC trade show, with both carriers and game-makers saying an abundance of mediocre titles is shackling the market. And publishers have pointed the finger at operators, saying carriers must market their wares more aggressively and be generous with revenue shares.
Other notable gaming announcements include:
Kargo, a New York-based mobile content distributor, announced a joint venture with European game developer PDAmill to release a series of casual games for smart phones and mass market handsets. Games from the new company, called DigDoo, will be available on Kargo’s Internet storefront; the firm also hopes to gain placement on carrier decks and embed the titles on handsets.
Alabama-based publisher Werd Interactive Inc. continued to push inexpensive games, launching a WAP portal allowing users to download titles from its Neo Retro line for $2 or $3 each. “Buying mobile games is a slow, complicated and expensive process, which is turning off more players than it is attracting,” the company said in a prepared statement.
Software provider Exit Games is teaming with in-game advertising company IGA Worldwide to deliver an offering for marketers looking to place their message in mobile games. The companies launched a mobile version of Exit’s Neutron, which allows advertisers to place ads in games running on Java, BREW or Adobe Flash Light.
