Mobile versions could harm console brands, warns Player X
"The customer is probably going to be disappointed in the quality"
Tony Pearce, MD of mobile entertainment provider Player X, has warned that poor quality mobile phone versions of PC and console games could damage the existing franchises.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Pearce said one of the issues with mobile games based on well-known brands is that, "The customer is probably going to be disappointed in the quality.
"In a way, I respect the fact that Grand Theft Auto hasn't been launched on mobile yet - because today, it wouldn't do the game any justice," he continued.
"In the next two years, when you get a really good quality handset coming out - and they're starting to come out now - then you can start doing conversions between a game console and a phone that won't harm the license. But at the moment, I think it could be dangerous to the brand."
According to Pearce, many mobile phone owners aren't gamers in the traditional sense - and are therefore more likely to recognise franchises such as Monopoly and casual games like Tetris than a brand such as Splinter Cell.
"Our focus is to really look at brands that have longevity, and are well known and established in their own right. We have done some real videogame brands, but unless you put some marketing behind it and unless people are aware of it on the deck... Well, they'll always just go for Tetris," he argued.
Player X has lined up a range of casual games for its 2007 mobile line-up, including titles based on TV brands such as Family Fortunes and The Price is Right.
However, Pearce explained, the company is also looking to focus on other areas of mobile content in a bid to meet consumers' changing demands.
"We will follow what the customers want, and you can't just stick with games any more. You have to offer new and exciting content, to the public and to the operators, and video, mobile TV - that's exciting," he said.