Why BREW is Best for Mobile Gaming

Native Performance

Native performance provides inherent speed and control advantages and attracts the world's best game developers. Advantages of native performance include:

Direct hardware access
Tighter/more efficient code can be written
Greater control over memory management and handset resources
OpenGL ES APIs directly accessible (BREW+OpenGL ES runs ~30-50% faster than JSR184 M3G)
Support for simultaneous UDP/TCP sockets
Additional custom tools can be easily written
As technology continues to advance the skill gap will continue to widen between native (BREW) and Java - Java developers will fall further behind C/C++ developers

Standardized set of APIs:

Provides global consistency with BREW operators
Decreases device fragmentation
Decreases development, porting, QA time

"I have long been a champion of casual games in the mobile space and have wondered if bringing more traditional video game experiences to mobile was ever a really good idea -- especially considering the control limitations of handsets. But within a few jaw-dropping minutes of playing Gameloft's 3D Brothers in Arms, I was tempted to swallow back some of the conjecture. I kid you not, this is a console-quality game running on a cellphone."

IGN review of Gameloft's 3D Brothers in Arms, March 22, 2006

Need for Speed Underground 2 isn't just the best racing game ever made for a mobile phone; it's also a much-needed showcase for V Cast technology This game boasts game length and replay value so many orders beyond the mobile norm that it calls for a total paradigm shift. Simply put, mobile gaming just got a much-needed kick up the evolutionary ladder."

Gamespot Mobile, Review, July 15, 2005

Ideaworks3D, leading developer of advanced mobile games and mobile gaming technology, works on a variety of mobile platforms including BREW and Java. In their presentation at the 2005 MGA Summit in Paris, Ideaworks3D presented a couple of slides on why native performance is optimal for delivering premium mobile gaming experiences (slides 21 - 23).

The Likely Impact of 3D, The 2005 Mobile Games Analyst Summit, Ideaworks3D!™ [1.34MB]

Higher speed networks enable the delivery of premium mobile games and higher download speeds allow delivery of larger feature-rich games in episodic format.

More immersive consumer gaming experiences can be created which can drive higher price points!

Initial download size of BREW 3D games on Verizon V CAST (EV-DO) is 1-2MB vs. typical BREW games delivered over Get It Now (1x) are 200-400KB.

Click to enlarge

More than 40 3D games available on V CAST retail between $7.49 and $13.49 per title for unlimited gameplay or between $2.99 and $6.99 for a monthly subscription (dated: July 2006)

3D and 3G Elevate the Gaming Experience

Using the network as a "virtual hard drive" - changing the way wireless games are designed

Large additional game levels as well as game-enhancing assets such as video (e.g., cinematics and cut scenes) and audio (e.g., MP3 soundtracks) can be downloaded over the air
The server can also be used to do off-client/handset processing

Lower network latency via 3G networks is a key enabler to differentiated multiplayer gaming.

Verizon Wireless has launched 3D real-time multiplayer games in
the U.S. on their V CAST service - without EV-DO the games
would not be possible

3D/3G Complements Cross Platform Design

Convergence of wireless and console/PC game design [2.08MB]

Wireless mobility extends game worlds beyond the home, fully integrating features and game play experience across different platforms (console, PC, wireless). Additionally, it allows connectivity for OTA updates, content, info and promotion.

Encourages creation of episodic content and monthly recurring revenue streams
Natural synergy with upcoming console/PC sequel launches
Mini games to gain experience/stats, earn money, "farming"/crafting, leveling up, expand community, encourage secondary markets - MMOs are especially ripe for this type of design

3D/3G Case Study: Verizon Wireless (U.S.)

"From a development standpoint, a high-speed data service like V CAST and the BREW solution make it possible for us to create and deliver feature-rich 3D games that boast dazzling graphics and multiplayer functionality." Read more.

Mitch Lasky, Senior Vice President, EA Mobile

Verizon's V CAST service launched February 1, 2005, and saw a 36% growth in gaming downloads over the last year since launching premium 3D games as part of the V CAST service. V CAST targets mass market, not just high end devices.

3D BREW titles continue to drive higher retail price points:

Unlimited usage prices 40-90% higher than 2D