Mumbai: Nokia announced that SNAP Mobile, its connected mobile Java gaming platform, has expanded games distribution channels in the People’s Republic
of China (PRC) and Taiwan.

Through further cooperation with SINA Corporation, a leading online media company, Chinese consumers can access more connected games on Nokia devices and download them through local online storefronts. In Taiwan, people can experience a new connected games service through gaming portals run by Taiwanese service provider PocketNet Technology Inc. as well as through Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), the country’s largest mobile operator.

"This expansion reinforces our dedication to the global mobile games market. In PRC and Taiwan in particular, there is a growing demand for connected mobile games," said Nokia vice president, games Jaakko Kaidesoja. "To provide consumers with the best and most locally relevant connected experience possible, we are working with companies like SINA and PocketNet to develop and deliver exceptional mobile games in Asia."

SNAP Mobile and PocketNet offer Chunghwa Telecom customers the first
open Java-based connected mobile gaming platform in Taiwan. Through this agreement, Chunghwa Telecom provides its customers with access to connected mobile games via PocketNet’s connected gaming portal http://snap.pocketnet.com.tw, CHT’s own portals, and Nokia devices.

Moreover, four mobile games have been developed on the SNAP Mobile platform for distribution through these channels, including: Taiwan 16 Mahjong, Battle Big Two, Showhand Master, and Supermarket Tycoon BattleNet. Further titles are expected throughout 2008.

"PocketNet is looking to build the biggest gaming community in Taiwan
and connected games are the cornerstone of gaming communities," said PocketNet CEO Paul Wu.

"In order to build and sustain a mobile gaming community, we need to provide a service that will cover the majority of devices and networks and also move ahead of the market to take part in connected games right from the start. SNAP Mobile sets the standard for multiplayer gaming and development technologies," he added.

Nokia has further expanded its cooperation with SINA Corporation with additional games and distribution channels in PRC. SNAP Mobile, through its ongoing collaboration with SINA, supports the growing popularity of mobile gaming by offering Chinese consumers a variety of channels to access games.

Crazy Blocks is the latest title to become available for download through SINA’s online gaming portal http://mogame.SINA.com.cn and also through ap.mobile.nokia.com/ap. Chinese consumers can now also access free trial games powered by SNAP Mobile from select Nokia devices.

"The number of connected gaming downloads has increased by almost 60% over the past eight months since our initial launch with SNAP Mobile," said SINA network business dept director Terry Tian.

Similar to its offerings in Europe and North America, games powered by SNAP Mobile come pre-installed on select Nokia handsets in PRC.