N-Gage is go in November
Nokia confident service will become largest mobile gaming platform in the market
Nokia has used its Go Play event to release the final details of its forthcoming N-Gage service, which has been gathering significant support from major game publishers.
Available globally in November, the application will be available for download to all Nokia N-series handsets (and come installed in subsequent models). The service focuses on a digital distribution model with try-before-you-buy and Xbox Live Arcade-style community functionality, such as connecting with friends, challenging players around the world and participating in activities in the N-Gage Arena.
Games will cost between EUR 6-10 (£4-6) each, with rental options and the aforementioned free demos also available. They can be bought through the phone or downloaded through a PC for subsequent sideloading.
Featured games at the event included FIFA 08, The Sims 2 Pets, Brothers in Arms, Creatures of the Deep, Bounce Boing Voyage and Snakes Subsonic, but that is merely a fraction of the diversity you should expect on N-Gage, says Nokia.
Indeed, given the partnerships it has been establishing with leading game publishers, the Finnish manufacturer is confidently predicting its new service will create "a new industry" for developers and publishers.
We'll be reporting further from Go Play, so keep an eye out for other N-Gage related news.