developing wap- games for gprs networks stefan pettersson director development picofun next...
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Developing WAP-Games for GPRS
NetworksStefan Pettersson
Director DevelopmentPicofun
Next Generation WAP, Stockholm, 7-8 May 2001
About Picofun
• Founded January 2000 in Stockholm, Sweden
• Investors are Softbank, Carphone Warehouse and Startupfactory
• Sven-Christer Nilsson (former CEO of Ericsson Group) is Chairman of the Board
• Founding member of the Mobile Entertainment Forum (MEF)
• Selected by Time Magazine as one of Europe’s 50 hottest tech firms
About Picofun
• Picofun is the leading provider of mobile games in Europe with special focus on community games
• We develop our own games, publish and distribute 3rd party games from Europe, USA and Asia
• Our projects are based on technologies such as SMS, WAP, Bluetooth, PocketPC, Java, MP4 and location services
• Working with Ericsson, Motorola, France Telecom, Telefonica, Omnitel, KPN, Deutsche Telekom, One2One and more...
What We Did
• Designed and developed a WAP-based game for GPRS networks
• Tested and verified at MAI and Motorola Magnet center
• Deployed at…» Deutsche Telekom» Ericsson GPRS Containers at >40 operators» Ericsson Local Centers» Various Operator GPRS Trials
Challenge
• GPRS is the carrier – how does it impact WAP applications?
• Consequences for the users
• Consequences for developers
Mobile Internet Game Development
• Use the strengths of mobile Internet» Mobility - Play everywhere» Access - Play anytime» Users - Play against anybody
• Design with the environment in mind» Different target audience» Consumer expectations» Design for the payment behaviour
• It’s gameplay that counts!
GPRS Impact On WAP Game Design
• Always Online
• Increased Bandwidth
• Different Payment Model
• Push
User behaviour changes!
Always Online
• Connecting no longer takes forever• Connecting is more reliable
• Users play more often• Users play in short bursts
• Game must deliver instant feedback• Game should stimulate frequent login
Increased Bandwith
• Decreased response time• Shorter load time
• Page transitions not as tedious• User don’t find graphics as slow
• Use graphics to enhance gameplay• Utilize bandwidth where appropriate
Different Payment Model
• Cost based on volume, not time• No initial startup fee per call
• User not stressed by cents ticking per minute• Cost no longer an obstacle to connect
• Design with payment model in mind• Encourage and support spontaneous use
Push
• If appropriate designed, may replace SMS• Interact with ”not logged in” users
• Allow ”offline” interaction in game• Use to trigger game play
Game Comparsion: GPRS vs. Non-GPRS
Fight Arena Picofun Football
Designed for GPRS Designed for traditional WAP
Fight Arena
Picofun Football
Game Comparsion: GPRS vs. Non-GPRS
Fight Arena Picofun Football
Game Feedback Instant Once per day
Gameplay Realtime Turnbased Action
Manager
Graphics Heavy Use of Graphics
Mostly textbased
Interaction with Offline Users
Push
(when available)
In-game Message System
Get the most out of game development for GPRS
• Think differently• Be innovative• Push the limits
• Learn from the past• Use PC game development techniques
• User perception is everything!
On The Green
