Nokia Launches a Collection of Connected Multiplayer Casual Games for Java Enabled Handsets

ESPOO, Finland, September 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nokia , the leader in mobile communications, announced today that the launch of its casual games collection for Java-enabled cell phones is expected to occur later this year. The first four titles in the series, all powered by Nokia's SNAP Mobile service, are Blackjack, Dominoes, Backgammon and Shuffleboard. Java-enabled mobile phone users will be able to play these and many of their other favorite casual titles in real time with other users of Java-enabled mobile phones.

"What makes our SNAP Mobile casual games lineup so special is that there is something for everyone," said Lisa Waits, Head of Nokia SNAP Mobile. "These games have been designed from the ground up to take advantage of the unique capabilities of today's mobile phones and networks in order to create the best possible and easily accessible gameplay experience for mobile phone gamers."

The Nokia SNAP Mobile casual game portfolio is developed by Tucson, AZ based Octopi using the Nokia SNAP Mobile platform to enable the connected features. All of the games will feature connected multiplayer gameplay over the wireless network, a friends list showing which friends are online to play, instant messaging with these friends, a customizable online avatar profile and image, and an in-game token system that rewards players for playing online.

"The Nokia SNAP Mobile tools have really let us push the limits of what can be done with these titles," said Dan Kopycienski, founder of Octopi. "Developing multiplayer games for today's fragmented landscape of devices and networks is a difficult task. The Nokia SNAP Mobile platform and support from Nokia has allowed us to focus on what is most important: designing and implementing the best connected game experience possible."

The Nokia SNAP Mobile casual games are expected to be available on Nokia and non-Nokia mobile phones later this year. To download screen shots and game information, go to http://www.extranet.n-gage.com/. For more on Nokia SNAP Mobile service, please visit http://www.snapmobile.nokia.com/.

About Octopi

Octopi has been at the forefront of interactive media & entertainment since 1998. Located in Tucson, AZ, Octopi has established itself as a leading developer of multiplayer mobile and online games. Octopi's game development engine, Octoplex(TM), supports multiple languages, the top 100+ mobile handsets, as well as other platforms such as PDA's and web browsers. Not only does Octoplex(TM) allow us to provide groundbreaking cross platform games, but it also allows us to develop them faster and more efficiently for our clients like Nokia.For further information please visit http://www.octopi.com/. .

About Nokia

Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia is dedicated to enhancing people's lives and productivity by providing easy-to-use and secure products like mobile phones, and solutions for imaging, games, media, mobile network operators and businesses. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on five major exchanges.

http://www.nokia.com/ http://www.snapmobile.nokia.com/ For assets, go to http://www.extranet.n-gage.com/

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