GDC: Mobile gaming still suffers from 'entry barrier' - Squenix
Okada says consumers must be re-educated
Speaking at the Game Developers Conference, Square Enix president Daishiro Okada has declared that an "entry barrier" still exists when it comes to mobile gaming - and that the industry must pull together to break it down.
According to Okada, many mobile phone users have a mental block which prevents them from engaging with mobile gaming. He believes that publishers and developers must co-operate with network operators and handset manufacturers to "educate customers in order to reduce the entry barrier."
Okada went on to say that at present, too many consumers see their mobile phone simply as a communication device, and not as something which can also deliver entertainment. The way to combat this, Okada believes, is to "develop more killer apps and 'it' games which customers are willing to spend money on."
Square Enix has had considerable success in bringing its own brands to mobile, according to Okada. He quoted figures which show that 47 per cent of those who own the Panasonic mobiles for which Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy were released in 2004 have played at least one of the games.
In addition, Okada claimed, 40 per cent said they purchased the handset specifically because of the games available for it - meaning Square Enix games actually helped to boost handset sales and subscription takeups.