Mobile Games Get Fancier, More Social

Games tailored for cell phones are increasingly adding community-oriented elements, such as tournaments for top scores, head-to-head combat or chatting with other players, reports the Associated Press.

"The mobile phone is really turning into a social computer," said Trip Hawkins, founder of Digital Chocolate.

The San Mateo-based startup is one of more than 300 companies developing games for U.S. cell phone users. Its offerings includes "Solitaire", in its so-called mobile league, in which players can post scores and compete for rank and glory.

But such game leaderboards, which are expected to become commonplace next year, are only the tip of the social, mobile iceberg.

Early next year, Los Angeles-based Tomo Software is expected to launch a mobile game that riffs off reality TV, mimics the addictive elements of "The Sims" and "Tamagotchi" video gaming worlds and employs the social networking grease of the Friendster online community.

The more interactive the games, the greater the revenue potential for the wireless industry. It should come as no surprise that most carriers now offer about 250 games; Verizon Wireless has about 500. The options range from basic puzzle challenges to role-playing games adapted from game consoles or the PC."

emily | 9:44 AM | SMS and Gaming |
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