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Nikita company announced yesterday that it will develop a mobile version of its highly successful computer game, Sphere—Russia’s first massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Development of a complex game for new-generation mobile devices such as smartphones and pocket PCs is a major technological milestone in the evolution of Sphere. The mobile version of Sphere is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2005.
Informa Telecoms & Media (formerly the ARC Group) estimates sales for the smartphone and pocket PC markets will grow to 561 million devices worldwide in 2004 from 482.5 million in 2003—or an increase of 16 percent. The tremendous market potential combined with the strong adoption of the PC-based version of Sphere led Nikita to adapt the game’s technology to run on a hand-held platform.
“The client version of Sphere is designed for mobile devices using Intel® PXA27x processors based on Intel XScale® microarchitecture and optimized to support Intel® Wireless MMX™ technology,” says Stepan Zotov, manager of Nikita’s game division. “The mobile version of Sphere will be available for MS Pocket PC and MS Smartphone operating systems. It will support Wi-Fi and GPRS Internet connections.”
Launched in early 2004, Sphere has gained tens of thousands of fans in Russia and worldwide. The release of the version for mobile devices will allow Sphere users to enjoy the magic world of game realities anywhere around the world, while the quality of Sphere’s 3D graphics should be comparable to those designed to run on a low-end PC platform. Mobile devices supported by Intel XScale® technology and using Intel® 2700G multimedia accelerator in addition to processors with at least 300 MHz (for smartphones) or 600 MHz (for PDAs) provide sufficient display resolution (640x480 for pocket PCs) for graphically rich computer games.
The Intel® 2700G multimedia accelerator, together with the Intel® PXA27x processor, is designed to enable a new level of 2D and 3D gaming capabilities. Optimization of Sphere to meet the requirements of the Intel® architecture-based platform and Intel® Wireless MMX™ instructions accelerating the 3D rasterization software module will enable users to truly enjoy the game on their phone or personal PC. The player will be able to trade, browse news, shape a character or communicate to other game participants.
“We are delighted to contribute to new opportunities that allow people to enjoy their favorite content – a game in this case – not only at home on their desktop computer, but anytime and anywhere on their mobile phone or personal PC,” said David P. Ryan, Director of Intel’s Software Enabling Division in Europe.
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