D3Publisher selects Nokia’s SNAP Mobile to expand global mobile game offering

Tokyo, Japan - Today Nokia announced that D3Publisher, a leading Japanese publisher of hit console and casual games, is using the SNAP Mobile platform to develop connected games for Java(TM)-based mobile phones. The mobile version of D3Publisher’s hit game Earth Defense Force, already available on Xbox and PlayStation 2, is expected to be available by the end of 2007. D3Publisher will also introduce new mobile connected functionality, as players can battle against alien invaders and jockey for high score fame in an online community while on-the-go.

“SNAP Mobile provides us with a carrier-grade platform that ensures a consistent mobile gaming experience for our dedicated fan base and expands the reach of our games to a global level through Nokia’s distribution channels,” said Yuji Konishi, Director and the Vice President of Mobile & Network Business Division of D3Publisher. “After much consideration, SNAP Mobile emerged as the ideal partner that could take our established Earth Defense Force game and make it suitable yet entertaining for a wide selection of mobile devices, while still retaining the online features that our game players have come to enjoy.”

In Earth Defense Force, players select from a variety of weapons to fight against a range of attackers from giant ants and spiders to robots and monsters. Using the SNAP Mobile platform, the mobile version of the game will also feature capabilities such as chat, friends list, high score, and instant messaging. Mobile users can also check out their rankings online and gauge their positions as compared to other players in the community.

“With over 400,000 units of Earth Defense Force for console platforms in Japan alone, it is evident that D3Publisher has managed to build a thriving gaming community - and that is by no means an easy feat,” said Antoine Doumenc, head of SNAP Mobile. “SNAP Mobile adds value to D3Publisher’s already popular game by bringing connected functionality that captivates mobile users, which extends the human imagination in a way that keeps players involved in their virtual gaming worlds - even if it’s through a smaller screen.”

Nokia plans to distribute Earth Defense Force on select Nokia handsets, and make the game available for global operator-assisted download.