Speaking at EGN today, Nokia has been waxing lyrical about the success of the N-Gage, announcing that over a million units (N-Gage and N-Gage QD) have been sold so far. Indeed, many were sceptical of Nokia’s foray into the games industry, and this is proof of a surprising level of success. With over 100,000 subscribers to N-Gage Arena, plenty of gamers have clearly put their faith (and their funds) into the machine.
Nokia will be pleased to have established a fairly solid user-base ahead of the DS’s and PSP’s respective launches, as competition in the handheld market will be reaching new levels of intensity by the beginning of next year. Fortunately, the N-Gage already has a reasonable level of support from publishers, most notably Electronic Arts, whose US Vice-President, Nancy Smith, made the following comment, “In reaching the one million milestone, we see that the N-Gage is establishing itself as a serious player in the portable gaming business.”
However, there are serious concerns that N-Gage software development could begin to flag quite quickly. Currently, the attach rate (i.e. the number of games sold per machine) works out at less than two titles per machine. And with EA sticking its ungainly finger into the N-Gage pie, it would be understandable if other publishers were less keen to invest in what would become an extremely tight market.
It will be interesting to see how the N-Gage is fairing in six months time. If there are any other important N-Gage developments in the meantime, they shall be duly reported.
Nokia will be pleased to have established a fairly solid user-base ahead of the DS’s and PSP’s respective launches, as competition in the handheld market will be reaching new levels of intensity by the beginning of next year. Fortunately, the N-Gage already has a reasonable level of support from publishers, most notably Electronic Arts, whose US Vice-President, Nancy Smith, made the following comment, “In reaching the one million milestone, we see that the N-Gage is establishing itself as a serious player in the portable gaming business.”
However, there are serious concerns that N-Gage software development could begin to flag quite quickly. Currently, the attach rate (i.e. the number of games sold per machine) works out at less than two titles per machine. And with EA sticking its ungainly finger into the N-Gage pie, it would be understandable if other publishers were less keen to invest in what would become an extremely tight market.
It will be interesting to see how the N-Gage is fairing in six months time. If there are any other important N-Gage developments in the meantime, they shall be duly reported.
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Comments
Joji 1 Sep 2004 15:01
1/5
Congrats on hitting the million mark, Nokia. However the truth hurts and the countdown to you lot being crushed out of the market by Sony and Nintendo has begun. Enjoy your time in the industry til it ends, and stick to making phones.
By next year I can picture reps on street corners, franticly trying to sell the thing like the Big Issue. "Would anyone like a free beefless taco shaped phone? No takers? Are you sure?... Oh well."
By next year I can picture reps on street corners, franticly trying to sell the thing like the Big Issue. "Would anyone like a free beefless taco shaped phone? No takers? Are you sure?... Oh well."
Ditto 1 Sep 2004 17:01
2/5
The N-Gage hasn't got a future.
There aren't any really good games on it and 1 million units considering the amount of time it's been out is quite poor.
Nintendo and Sony aren't going to give Nokia a chance next gen.
There aren't any really good games on it and 1 million units considering the amount of time it's been out is quite poor.
Nintendo and Sony aren't going to give Nokia a chance next gen.
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Coxy 1 Sep 2004 19:10
3/5
i agree completely the graphics wer'nt that good on n-gage and i can't see n-gage 2 selling very well especially when psp and ds are realeased !
NiktheGreek 1 Sep 2004 21:37
4/5
The idea, a phone combined with handheld games system, was sound. It's that sort of dual-purpose functionality that worked so well for Sony with their inclusion of the DVD capability on PS2. Unfortunately, Nokia managed to deliver unsatisfactory gaming content and a phone you'd be embarassed to use in public. Even with the QD, Nokia hasn't really recovered.
The news that only two titles are sold per N-Gage doesn't surprise me either. The system suffers a noticeable lack of quality software - well, a lack of software in general, really. Sonic N, Tomb Raider, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater - all second-hand experiences to a lot of gamers. Really, currently I don't plan to buy one myself, nor do I see a significant future for it. However, I'll be checking out the Nokia stand at Gamestars this Saturday. I'll give them a chance to convince me. ;)
The news that only two titles are sold per N-Gage doesn't surprise me either. The system suffers a noticeable lack of quality software - well, a lack of software in general, really. Sonic N, Tomb Raider, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater - all second-hand experiences to a lot of gamers. Really, currently I don't plan to buy one myself, nor do I see a significant future for it. However, I'll be checking out the Nokia stand at Gamestars this Saturday. I'll give them a chance to convince me. ;)
Kaxxx 2 Sep 2004 11:31
5/5
I dont agree with alot of the views here. Ive owned an N-gage and now own an N-gage QD.
The reason most owners only have two games is because the N-gage is rife with illegal downloads. All the games can be found on the net if you look around enough. Also, N-gage Arena has only really came into full swing recently with most people opting to play THPS.
Ive never had a problem with the graphics Mac. They are cool compared to the standard GBA title. THPS and Tomb Raider are both great looking 3D titles.
The other and main point about the N-gage though is that it is a multimedia phone, provding wap service, video playback, mp3 (except QD) and games. Its a phone firstly and games machine next not the other way around. Most N-gage owners love it because of the whole package it supplies.
The reason most owners only have two games is because the N-gage is rife with illegal downloads. All the games can be found on the net if you look around enough. Also, N-gage Arena has only really came into full swing recently with most people opting to play THPS.
Ive never had a problem with the graphics Mac. They are cool compared to the standard GBA title. THPS and Tomb Raider are both great looking 3D titles.
The other and main point about the N-gage though is that it is a multimedia phone, provding wap service, video playback, mp3 (except QD) and games. Its a phone firstly and games machine next not the other way around. Most N-gage owners love it because of the whole package it supplies.