Followap and Pixel Game Technologies introduce presence-aware multiplayer gaming
Multiplayer mobile games that can see which of your contacts is actually free to play, built on the iFollow IM and Presence server.
London – February 23, 2004 - Followap Inc., the leading provider of carrier-class presence solutions, and Pixel Game Technologies, a leading provider of cross-platform connected games technology and content, announced the availability of Presence-aware multiplayer games, utilizing Followap, Inc.’s iFollow IM & Presence server and Pixel’s JIVE™ platform. The integration of these two platforms enables mobile operators to offer state-of-the-art multiplayer games that take advantage of subscriber presence information, enhancing user experience and greatly increasing accessibility to mobile games.
Mobile subscribers can now see other online users who are interested in playing games, and receive alerts when one of their contacts is available for a gaming session. They are able to invite available users for a game, as well as control their own gaming preferences.
Additional features include gaming teams that are automatically assembled, based on skill level or device capabilities, exchanging messages during games, using the phone ‘profile’ setting as an indication for gaming availability and in-game push-to-talk voice service. Presence-enabled mobile games are available for Symbian, J2ME, Smartphone, Palm OS and Pocket PC users.
“We see tremendous value in presence-enabling mobile gaming services”, said Tal Rayman, Marketing Director at Followap, Inc. “Games have already proven to be very popular with mobile users and we feel that by introducing real time, gaming-related presence information to these users, we can dramatically increase the number of players and the overall game sessions in a mobile network. Pixel’s rich game portfolio and the ease of integration both platforms offer, allowed us to provide this attractive offering of Presence-enabled games for mobile operators”.
"Teaming with Followap to add Presence Awareness to our connected games offering brings Pixel one step closer to our vision of enabling full multi-player, real-time game play to the mobile world”, said Noam Wolf, Pixel Director of Mobile Sales, EMEA. “We look forward to applying cutting edge functionality developed through our partnership with Followap to further increase ARPU and penetration within our operators' subscriber base".
The integrated platforms will be demonstrated at Followap’s booth at the upcoming 3GSM World Congress, taking place on 23rd-26th February 2004 in Cannes, France. Followap will present this solution, along with its leading Presence solutions in booth E33, located in Hall 2.
Pixel’s JIVE™ System is a complete solution for cross-platform on-line entertainment. JIVE™ enables mobile and ITV operators, as well as content publishers and developers, to create on-line connected games and game-services such as tournaments, ladders, statistics, invitations, match-up, chat, save games, etc on Mobile handsets and Interactive TV. JIVE™ game services are deployed commercially at over 13 operators worldwide.
Followap’s iFollow Instant Messaging and Presence Server is a comprehensive Presence solution, allowing mobile operators to rapidly launch attractive Presence-based services such as Instant Messaging, Chat and Presence Enabled Contacts (PEC), on top of a robust, standards-based Presence infrastructure. The iFollow IM and Presence Server forms the basis for Presence-enabled services which are in commercial use by tier one carriers across Europe, serving millions of subscribers.
About Followap, Inc.
Followap is the leading provider of carrier-class IM and Presence solutions. Its iFollow suite of products has been commercially launched by tier-one mobile operators, serving millions of subscribers. Followap delivers systems based on industry standards optimized for quick deployment on operator’s networks. Followap also offers an extensive Presence Development Environment, enabling mobile operators and 3rd parties to presence-enable existing and future services.
For additional information please visit Followap's Web site at http://www.followap.com
About Pixel Game Technologies
Pixel Game Technologies is a provider of content and technologies that enable interactive entertainment and edutainment channels and services for new digital networks such as Wireless Telephony, Interactive Television, and Broadband Internet. Pixel’s content channels and services include JiveGames™ - a complete solution for advanced game services, and KidsWise™ - a complete solution for advanced kids "edutainment services". Both JiveGames™ and KidsWise™ are available for mobile and interactive TV networks worldwide. Pixel's JIVE™ Platform enables iTV and mobile operators, as well as content publishers and developers, to create and offer advanced game services such as score submission and management of user accounts, leader boards tournaments and prizes as well as full multiplayer games services.
Please see www.pixel-tech.com