G-cluster launches new wireless gaming platform
G-screen marks the first opportunity to bring high-quality games to a small screen. Current handheld games are severely limited due to a lack of capacity in the devices. G-cluster's client/server technology allows developers and publishers to bring their best games to the wireless world, across multiple handheld platforms without speed or sound degradation.
"We believe wireless gaming should be as good as traditional computer and console gaming, if not better," said Mika Peltola, CEO of G-cluster. "G-cluster technology elevates wireless gaming way beyond the typical stick figure or card game. Your favorite titles can now be delivered to the palm of your hand."
The games will be available initially in selected areas, called "hotspots," where local wireless networks can be deployed quickly. Numerous hotels, airport lounges, amusement parks and coffee shops already have the existing infrastructure available to deliver the service. The first G-cluster hotspots will appear in Helsinki in August 2001 with locations in the United States by 2002.
G-cluster will provide hotspot operators with all necessary hardware and software, including wireless devices that can be rented for gaming. G-cluster also provides the operator with complete billing, marketing, management and support solutions.
Users at hotspots can either rent a wireless device or use their own laptop to play G-screen games. Payment is based on the amount of time played. Because of the network technology, players also will be able to engage other players in their area in multi-player games.
G-cluster has developed a partnership with Sonera, an international leader in mobile communications, services and applications, for the initial market offering of the G-screen technology. Sonera Mspace, an open environment for developing and testing the next generation of mobile services, will debut G-screen with early 3G technology adopters.
One of the first games to showcase the power of G-cluster technology is LEGO Media's LEGO(r) Racers, a fast-paced, multi-player racing game, developed by Attention To Detail. "At ATD, we've always believed that wireless gaming should ultimately deliver the same rush and excitement as console and PC games," said Chris Gibbs, Managing Director of Attention To Detail. "G-cluster has developed a unique technology that allows us to bring our games to the wireless realm without losing the original excitement." The future portfolio of G-screen games will feature a wide range of racing, action, sports and children's games. Most of the games have both single- and multi-player modes. G-cluster also has partnerships with other game developers including Elixir Studios.
"At Elixir we firmly believe in the huge potential of wireless gaming and in G-cluster as technological leaders in this emerging area," said Demis Hassabis, chairman and CEO of Elixir Studios. "Their groundbreaking technology presents us with a fantastic opportunity to leverage our own cutting edge technology into exciting new applications."
Interested parties can contact G-cluster at +358 40 555 0566.
About G-cluster
G-cluster is a wireless entertainment company, providing equipment and games to wireless network operators and entertainment providers. The company develops proprietary client/server technology and custom-configures PC games to deliver powerful, high-quality experiences to wireless devices. Established in January 2000 in Helsinki, Finland, G-cluster delivers powerful, new revenue opportunities for network operators and entertainment providers while delivering a high-quality and user-friendly gaming experience. More information on G-cluster can be found at www.gcluster.com.
About Sonera Mspace
Sonera Mspace is an open environment for testing and developing next generation mobile services together with pilot users. Mspace's philosophy is to engage in an open dialogue with customers and users already in the early stages of the development cycle. Its goal is to build a miniature 3G market in Finland and test the feasibility of new applications and technology. More information on Sonera Mspace is available at www.mspace.fi and photographs at www.mspace.fi/press.
About Attention To Detail
ATD (Attention To Detail) Ltd., is a veteran British game developer with over 70 staff based in rural Warwickshire, England. It joined what was originally the GBH Group in 1997, which later changed to Kaboom Studios Group in September 2000. This propelled ATD from a small independent studio into part of the largest development group in Europe. ATD has developed games for many respected publishers, including Psygnosis, Activision, Lucas Arts Games, Atari, SEGA, Eidos and most recently Acclaim. The most recent successes include Ducati World for the PC and consoles, as well as the BAFTA Award winning 'Sydney 2000', the official video game of the Sydney Olympics. For any further information on ATD call Dene Landucci on 01295 812295 or contact via e-mail, dene@sdreams.co.uk.
About Elixir Studios
Elixir Studios Ltd is a leading developer of interactive entertainment software. It now employs about 50 people at its offices in Camden. Elixir was formed in 1998 by Demis Hassabis, co-creator of Theme Park, one of the most successful computer games of all time. In December 1998, the company entered into a publishing agreement with Eidos Interactive for the development of three titles. The first title Republic: The Revolution was unveiled to the industry press in November 1999 and received a unanimously positive response. The company has developed a proprietary software tool, known as the Totality Engine, for rendering (visualising in real time) 3D environments. The Totality Engine represents a paradigm shift in the computer graphics software market. The most advanced graphics engine ever seen, it is capable of rendering scenes with an unlimited number of polygons in real time every frame, allowing any model to be represented to any specified level of detail.
Source: G-cluster
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