Revolution to create new Pocket Studio

Revolution Software is to create a new division dedicated especially to the creation of handheld games.

The team will work on games, both remakes of classics and original titles, for platforms such as iPhone, Android, PSPgo and DSi, the company revealed today. Its first title will be a remastered version of Beneath A Steel Sky for iPhone, renewed and enhanced for touch screen play.

"The adventure genre is undergoing a renaissance, and we're thrilled to be bringing a revamped and remastered version of this classic adventure to a whole new audience," said Charles Cecil, founder of Revolution Software.

"Digital distribution has changed the game for developers, and it's great to be able to communicate directly with our audience. Revolution has a sizeable, passionate fan base which we value enormously. By tackling development and publishing duties ourselves, we can strengthen our relationship with them and retain complete commercial and creative freedom - not just in terms of content, but in terms of distribution and, crucially, pricing."

The opportunities digital distribution via portable platforms offer is an exciting one, said Cecil, especially because the model allows it to offer value-for-money to its consumers.

"We're bringing high-quality, intelligent, narrative-based gaming to a whole new platform," he continued, "some owners of which will have enjoyed the games before, and others who will be experiencing our titles for the very first time - and that's something I find tremendously exciting."

While Beneath A Steel Sky: Remastered, due for release in autumn, will be the new division's first title, more will be announced shortly, said Cecil. Some of which will be instantly recognisable, and others "wholly original".

"Our aim with whatever title we release is to ensure we offer a different type of game to those currently available, illustrating that modern handheld games don't have to be disposable - they can be engrossing, entertaining and intelligent."