World’s first cross-platform Massively Multiplayer Online Game
March 19, 2006
I’ve been waiting for someone to do this for years since I saw the potential to use 3G high data speeds to play MMORPGs on 3G mobile devices.
I was specifically evangelising the power of using the mobile device as another interface to the PC version of the game whereby the player could be notified of relevant events, check up on their assets within the game, even practise specific moves or trial craft recipes. The interface didn’t have to be as rich as the PC version, but would still play a crucial part in the players ability to interact with the virtual playing field anytime, anywhere.
Malaysian firms Digi Telecommunications & developer Activate look to be the first companies to create a seamless cross platform MMORPG for PC and mobile devices called Hinter Wars.
From their website:
HinterWars: The Aterian Invasion was derived from an original storyline that revolves around a group of space-faring races that face the possibility of being invaded by the Aterians. The game features four broad character types the Humans, Firans, Brucians and Taikuus whose costumes, appearances and armour can be customized according to each player’s specifications. The game also allows interaction between players such as broadcast and private chat, trading of items and teaming up for conquests. Successes are rewarded by new downloads, rare items, additional power and experience, virtual cash rewards and ultimately, fame within the HinterWars gaming community.
Hinter Wars allows existing PC users to play with mobile users. The mobile version of the game is a Symbian application and only currently available on certain Nokia devices (including the Nokia N90!).
Although Hinterwars is a cross playtform game, meaning you use the same type of interface to control your character. I believe there will be momentum in moving certain aspects of MMORPGs to the mobile and not the whole gaming experience. For those that have accounts on persistent world games will know the problems around having to be online when assets become threatened.
Having a mobile interface that allows you to be notified and track what is occuring in the virtual world gives the player more freedom in where they play the game from.
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