Astraware inks deal with Handmark

Mobile game developer Astraware has signed an agreement with mobile media distributor Handmark that will see it "become part of the Handmark family," according to a statement released today.

The UK-based firm will continue to develop original titles, but will expand its work to include an increasing number of new licenses as part of the relationship.

Titles will also be released on additional Symbian S60 and UIQ for the first time in the coming months, and plans to release on the Blackberry later in 2008.

Co-founder and CEO of Astraware, Howard Tomlinson stated: "I am excited to be joining forces with Handmark and we will be able to focus our experience and talent on creating games across more platforms, and together we will become one of the most powerful forces in the mobile gaming industry."

And Handmark's CEO Paul Reddick added: "We recognize the genius of the mobile gaming pioneers who created Astraware and welcome them to the Handmark family. We share a passion for delivering superior mobile experiences."