NCsoft reveals multiformat ambitions

Publisher NCsoft has revealed it is currently exploring the possibilities of expanding its online focus through next-generation home consoles, handhelds and mobile phones.

Speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz, European director of products Thomas Bidaux revealed ambitions to develop games that will play across multiple formats.

"The holy grail of gaming is a game that plays across as many platforms as possible," revealed Bidaux.

"It's not about making a great game on PC and a great game on console. It's about making a great game that you can play on PC or console, and then incorporate your mobile phone to expand the whole universe - the longer the player can keep the world with him, the more he'll stay in the game universe."

NCsoft may have established a reputation as a leading publisher of online PC titles, but Bidaux is also looking at ways to take advantage of the online capabilities of both handheld and home consoles.

Using Nintendo's new hardware as an example he stated, "depending on the solution you use, something as basic as html is viable, because you can play on your Wii, you can play on your DS, because they all have capacity to read and understand this simple language."

Mobile phones, Bidaux said, are better used as a tool to incorporate gaming features, rather than full games.

"Doing a game for mobiles is going to be tricky, but perhaps things such as an auction house or character creation through the mobile phone is a better solution," he said.

The full interview with Bidaux will can be found here, where he also discusses the problems of creating an MMO for home consoles, the advantages Xbox Live, and why he thinks the mobile market is like the 'Wild West'.