Mobile gamers from China and Taiwan have from now on extra titles to chose from, as more games from Nokia's SNAP Mobile platform are available for them, through additional distribution channels. Following Nokia's new deal with SINA Corporation, an important Chinese media company, users all around China have now access to a brand new range of connected games, via their Nokia devices. Nokia has also closed deals with Chunghwa Telecom, the largest mobile carrier in Taiwan (almost 8 million subscribers) and PocketNet Technology Inc., offering Taiwanese users the same new range of games.

"This expansion reinforces our dedication to the global mobile games market. In PRC and Taiwan in particular, there is a growing demand for connected mobile games. To provide consumers with the best and most locally relevant connected experience possible, we are working with companies like SINA and PocketNet to develop and deliver exceptional mobile games in Asia", declared Jaakko Kaidesoja, vice president, Games, Nokia.

Nokia has been collaborating with SINA Corporation through SNAP Mobile for several years and now the Finnish company comes with additional distribution channels and mobile titles. Crazy Blocks is among the latest games available from the SINA online portal, found at this address.

Terry Tian, Network Business Dept Director, SINA, said: "The number of connected gaming downloads has increased by almost 60% over the past eight months since our initial launch with SNAP Mobile. With the added distribution channels through Nokia, we are building up a fun gaming community that offers an interactive, social element on top of the games themselves."

In collaboration with Nokia's SNAP Mobile, PocketNet now offers the very first Java-based connected mobile gaming platform available for Taiwanese consumers (well, only for those who use Chunghwa Telecom's services). The new SNAP games are available from the PocketNet portal, found at this address, or from Chunghwa Telecom's portal. Among the games created on Nokia's SNAP Mobile platform to be distributed via the above mentioned channels we have Showhand Master, Taiwan 16 Mahjong, Supermarket Tycoon BattleNet and Battle Big Two.

"PocketNet is looking to build the biggest gaming community in Taiwan and connected games are the cornerstone of gaming communities. In order to build and sustain a mobile gaming community, we need to provide a service that will cover the majority of devices and networks and also move ahead of the market to take part in connected games right from the start. SNAP Mobile sets the standard for multiplayer gaming and development technologies", says Paul Wu, CEO of PocketNet.

Just like in the North America and Europe, SNAP Mobile games come pre-installed on select Nokia handsets that will be launched from now on in China and Taiwan.