Let the Nokia N-Gage(TM) Game Battle begin


Nokia today announced the ConnectCoder, N-Gage(TM) Mobile Game Deck Game Battle 2003, a competition for game developers across Europe, the United States and Canada to find the hottest game ideas that take advantage of the unique mobile online functionality of the Nokia N-Gage game deck. Helping to unleash the creative and innovative spirit of the game community, the competition runs until January 31, 2004.
 
The winning ideas will be those that develop original games that create a connected gaming experience, where mobility is a central part of the game. Other key criteria include high-quality graphics, exciting characters, engaging storylines and interactive gameplay that highlight the social aspects of mobile gaming. The Nokia N-Gage Publishing Team will judge entries and winners will be notified in early 2004 by email.
 
"Given the unique features of the Nokia N-Gage, we expect people to submit some amazing ideas that really take advantage of the Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS connectivity, as well as the community spirit of the N-Gage Arena," said Ilkka Raiskinen, Senior Vice President, Entertainment and Media, Nokia Mobile Phones. "The Nokia N-Gage is poised to become the mobile online gaming platform and the Game Battle competition gives developers a chance to get involved in creating a new generation of exciting games."
 
In addition to 30,000 euros to be divided between the top three entries, the winners will be invited to the Game Developers Conference 2004 and to present their winning ideas to the Nokia N-Gage Publishing management team.
 
For more information on the competition, including an application form and contest rules, please visit www.forum.nokia.com/games starting today. The games can be created and tested by using the tools and emulators provided by Forum Nokia free of charge.
 
About N-Gage
The Nokia N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active and hardcore gamers, the Nokia N-Gage is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer gameplay over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The Nokia N-Gage also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

Further information, please contact:
 
For Media only
Nokia Corporation
Nokia Mobile Phones
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E-mail: nokia.mobile.phones@nokia.com
 
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Tel: +1 972 894 4573
E-mail: n-gage.media@nokia.com
 
Nokia Communications, Asia Pacific
Tel: +65 6723 2323
E-mail: communications.apac@nokia.com
 
www.n-gage.com/press
www.nokia.com