3 launch 3D real-time multiplayer games in UK first
For Immediate Release:
London - 25 October 2005
3, the UK's first 3G operator, today announces customers on the 3 network can play the multiplayer versions of Synergenix's games Lock 'n Load Combat Arena and Rally Pro Contest MP on their handsets. The first of its kind on mobile in the UK, 3 customers can now download the game for free, then use micropayments to Pay To Play against other players over the 3G network.
Lock 'n Load Combat Arena and Rally Pro Contest MP are being offered as a free download to Smartphone owners on the 3 network. Joining a multiplayer game costs the player 50p. These games use 3's billing system to pass this cost straight onto the player, adding it onto their monthly bill, or debiting it from their phone's credit.
Lock 'n Load Combat Arena is an intense 3D First Person Shooter, one of the most popular genres of multiplayer games in the world on both videogames consoles and PCs. Lock 'n Load Combat Arena allows up to four players to compete against each other in real time, directly over the 3 network. Each time a customer starts a game they purchase 4 'lives' to play against others in an online game. The single player version of the game, Lock 'n Load Rise Of War was released earlier in 2005 and has proven very popular with players worldwide.
Rally Pro Contest MP is a thrilling 3D Rally Driving game, another of the most popular multiplayer genres. Rally Pro Contest MP allows up to four players to race against each other in real time, directly over the 3 network. Each time a customer starts a game they get to compete up to 3 times. The single player version of the game, Rally Pro Contest was also released earlier in 2005 and has proven very popular with players.
Martin Forsling, Chief Executive Officer of Synergenix, commented "This is a UK first, and could possibly be the first of its kind globally. This distinctive payment model encourages new players to pick up and play games on their mobile handsets. It gives the customer the power to choose, and ultimately ensures for a more rewarding mobile gaming experience."
Oscar Clark, 3 Games Product Manager, "3 is recognised as the leader in 3G gaming, setting the agenda for services that are immediate, accessible and fun. Both Lock 'n Load Combat Arena and Rally Pro Contest are fantastic titles which offer players a very high quality multiplayer gaming experience. We're convinced that the combination of a great game and the payment model will attract a very broad audience of experienced gamers and new players alike."
-Ends-
Notes To Editors:
Lock 'n Load Combat Arena and Rally Pro Contest are currently available for Nokia Series 60 handsets, including the 6630, 6680 and N70 models.
Both games are free to download.
About Kayak/Synergenix Interactive
Synergenix Interactive is a leading global mobile entertainment publisher. In February 2005 the company was acquired by Kayak Interactive. Together the companies have worldwide distribution with more than 60 top tier carriers and portals in Europe, North America, and Asia, including 3, Vodafone, Orange, O2, Telefónica, T-Mobile, M1, New World Mobility, and Cingular.
Synergenix and Kayak publish an extensive portfolio of mobile entertainment content including cutting-edge high performance experiences for the avid gamer as well as mass market games utilizing community features with connected game play.
Synergenix also supports handset manufacturers to enhance their terminals with embedded games and the highly acclaimed mophunTM middleware and works with some of the world's leading handset manufacturers, including Nokia, Sony-Ericsson and Motorola.
Kayak Interactive is headquartered in San Mateo, California, and Synergenix is located in Stockholm, Sweden.
Kayak Interactive has raised significant financing from top tier Venture Capital funds including VantagePoint Venture Partners, TL Ventures, and Enertech Capital.
More information can be found at www.kayakinteractive.com and www.synergenix.com .
Contact:
Synergenix Interactive Katarina Lindvall - T: +46 734 17 62 71 - E: katarina.lindvall@synergenix.se
European Media Brian Baglow Indoctrimat Ltd. - M: +44 (0) 7747 792247 - E: brian@indoctrimat.com
American Media Shelly Eckenroth Foghorn PR - T: +1 717-852-7060 - E: seckenroth@foghornpr.com
About 3
Hutchison 3G UK Limited deliver third-generation mobile multimedia and communications services under the 3 brand in the UK, offering a convergence of media, information and telephony to enable live video calls, multimedia content and entertainment while on the move.
3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy and Sweden. 3 holds UMTS licences in Norway and Indonesia.
For further information, please visit: www.three.co.uk or call the 3 Media Office on 0207 350 5696.
Three facts about 3:
- 3 is the UK's first video mobile network.
- 3 is the UK's fastest growing mobile network. Over 3 million customers in the UK now have access to 3's range of 3G services, from video messaging and video calling to watching full-length music videos and goals from Barclays Premiership football.
- 3's network offers national coverage for calls and texts, and over 85% coverage for video services.