With the popularity of computer and console games rising across the world and interest in events like the World Cyber Games at an all time high, 13 Singapore software companies recently showcased their products in the 1,600 square metre Singapore pavilion at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), organised by the IDA and Games Exchange Alliance (GXA).

GXA leads the way

According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers report entitled 'Global Entertainment and Media Outlook 2005-2009', the Asia gaming market is projected to grow to US$23 billion by 2009. The same study showed that the wireless market is expected to exceed 230 million mobile gamers spending over US$5 billion a year by 2009 while the subscription market is expected to exceed $7 billion. Singapore is well positioned to take advantage of this; the multi-platform game development and distribution services in Singapore allow video game producers to effectively tap into Asia's wireless and online gaming markets.

The GXA aims to help game companies all over the world to cross last-mile commercialisation hurdles to put game titles into the hands of Asian gamers. With more than 20 members, GXA provides market access to over 13 key Asian countries including China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, India, Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia. The GXA hopes to attract more game publishers and developers to use Singapore as their base as well as providing services in development, localisation, hosting, distribution and marketing throughout Asia. Over 20 games have shortened their time to market by making use of Singapore's Games Bazaar.

Part of the crowd at E3

A recent milestone was reached by the GXA when member company Activate Interactive developed a world's first cross-platform MMORPG (Massively Multi-player Online Role-Playing Game) that is playable on both the computer and mobile phones in real time for Nokia. This allows gamers to fight monsters, find treasures and meet new friends whether they were at home or on the go.

Activate Interactive is passionate about developing games that can be enjoyed across different platforms according to Mr Leslie Wou, CEO of Activate Interactive. Mr Rick Gawdat, Head of Games, Nokia Multimedia, Asia-Pacific said that this all-new gaming concept offers true mobility to gamers giving them the power to play HinterWars both at their desk and when they are out travelling in the bus, train or taxi.

Some of the attendees at the Singapore Pavillion

This launch of the first multi-platform MMORPG is firmly aligned with IDA's efforts to transform Singapore into a development, testing and deployment centre for the regional video game industry. Mr Thomas Lim, Director, Education, Learning, Digital Media and Entertainment, IDA said he feels that for Singapore to be recognised as a hub for game development and distribution, there needs to be creative use of technology, especially in areas such as cross-platform gaming.