DiGi: Gamers, mobilise your PC!

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DiGi: Gamers, mobilise your PC!
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March 16, 2006
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https://digi.com.my/media/articleURLhereWhichCanbeReallyLong

DiGi: Gamers, mobilise your PC!

  • DiGi commits to migrating PC gamers onto the mobile platform
  • Gamers seen as thrust behind consumer mobile services take-off

    Kuala Lumpur, 17 March 2006 - DiGi is taking on the challenge to migrate a set of demanding and heavy online users into the mobile frontier. Gamers- those ultra savvy technology leaders- are identified as the thrust behind the taking-off of consumer mobile data services usage.DiGi and Nokia's first in the world cross-platform game, HinterWars, is today commercially launched; all DiGi users can now experience this breakthrough technology in gaming and communication. According to DiGi, this Mobile Massively Multiplayer Online Game (3MOG) is a significant development to move PC players onto the handset.
  • Why the focus on gamers?
  • "We see mobile gaming as the next level for avid online gamers. This is not just our perception. The trend is substantiated in research. And research shows that among all groups of technology enthusiasts, gamers are the most passionate about their interest and this passion extends to the mobile frontier," says Chee Pok Jin, Chief Marketing Officer or DiGi.
  • Citing insights from leading technology research firms, Chee said that gamers form the most active online community, as measured by the "buzz" surrounding a particular type of mobile content. Buzz is terminology for consumer discussion.
  • Mobile games accounted for 23% of all mobile content buzz; music (ringtones, full-track downloads, etc) accounted for 52%, while video & TV got 19% and operator portals, 5%.
  • Mobile content currently encompasses four broad categories: music, games, video & TV, and various operator portals.
  • DiGi's investment in mobile gaming, as exemplified by 3MOG, is of course, a strategic business decision. While services such as music and/or ring tone downloads are highly popular (as measured by buzz), it is mobile gaming that scores the highest for positive revenue impact.
  • Statistics show that people may be very interested in music or related downloads but revenue impacts from measures of enthusiasms do not compare with that of mobile gaming. On a scale of -2 to +2 (where -2 means that buzz translates to a immediate revenue loss, -1 as negative sentiment, +1 as positive sentiment, and +2 a direct revenue gain), mobile gaming scores +2.
  • Among three general types of mobile games available, games on the N-Gage platform ranks the most favoured. Users especially like N-Gage games, as compared with other mobile games, for good graphics and game control.
  • "We are pleased to see how the N-Gage has captured the minds of gamers across the globe. The success of the N-Gage demonstrates the appeal of being able to enjoy gaming anytime, anywhere," says Barry Lee, managing director of Nokia Malaysia.
  • "As we move into the future, Nokia sees the future of gaming unfolding across its S60 platform mobile phones. This means that we can reach out to an even wider audience and give more people more freedom and options in gaming," Lee continues.
  • BREW games, which are first developed for CDMA phones, find close kin in this part of the world in the forms of simple handset games such as Pac-man and car-racing. This type of mobile gaming generates the most buzz but ranks below N-Gage games in terms of quality.
  • Java games, the third type of mobile game available in the world, suffers from negative buzz related to errors and problems.
  • "It will take time for gamers to migrate to their handsets. Old habits die hard, but nonetheless, new habits can develop as gamers maximize gaming opportunities on a new medium of delivery and communication. We are confident it will happen. And when that happens DiGi will reap the first-mover rewards," Chee says.
  • DiGi has consistently beat competitors in coming up with new products or services which trigger new trends in the market; think cheaper SMSes, talktime transfers, BubbleTalk, Flexi e-loads, high speed mobile network, and more.
  • "Innovation is in our blood. 3MOG is another first from us but users can be sure to expect more exciting and fun offerings from DiGi," Chee adds.
  • 3MOG:HinterWars is commercially launched nationwide, being kicked off simultaneously in five in Internet cafés in the country: three in Klang Valley, one in Penang and one in Johor Baru.
  • Themed "Mobilise your PC", users are offered incentives to be the first in the world to experience 3MOG: HinterWars, a cross-platform online gaming experience, through a promotional gaming package.
  • HinterWars monthly license will cost just RM10, with data charges levied according to usage. During the promotional period from now to 30 April 2006, the first monthly fee will be waived.
  • For more information please visit www.digi.com.my

  • About DiGi
    DiGi is a leading mobile communications company providing a comprehensive range of affordable, convenient and easy to use wireless services to simplify and enrich the lives of its customers. We create value for our customers by selecting the most appropriate cutting edge technology so that they benefit from products and services that give them choice, convenience and control.

    We have an established presence as a leader in voice and data prepaid services with a number of firsts that have set industry benchmarks for creativity and innovation. These services are offered under the Beyond Prepaid brand name. Our postpaid service under the DiGi Postpaid and Discover Business Solutions brand names deliver high quality voice as well as value-added mobile content and data services to both individual and corporate customers.

    About Nokia
    Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.
  • Issued by:
    Corporate Communications Department
    DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd
    Lot 10, Jalan Delima 1/1
    Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park
    40000 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan