Samsung and Handmark Partner for Mobile Game Development

South Korean mobile phone maker Samsung Electronics and Handmark, a world-leading creator and distributor of mobile applications and services, announced on Monday the launch of a new Global Venture Fund, aimed at investing in companies and/or individuals that come up with innovative market-changing game ideas that would fit with the next-generation Samsung mobile phones.

“We know there’s a wealth of great ideas out there waiting to be discovered,” said Chris Barnett, senior vice president of Global Sales and Strategic Partnerships for Handmark. “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone, including big brands, mobile developers or any individual with a unique, creative idea to make it a reality.”

According to the duo, those who will join their initiative would receive up to $250,000 each for the funding of their ideas. The fund will be managed by Handmark from its Kansas City and London offices, and Samsung will be a partner in this. The two say that they are looking for games that can benefit most from the features included within Samsung's phones, and which can also showcase the devices. They also add that they will take into consideration both older and newer ideas, and that it will all depend on cost and timing.

“Samsung recognizes the importance of content and applications for today’s mobile phone users,” said Ho Soo Lee, executive vice president for Samsung Electronics’ Media Solution Center. “We are pleased to broaden our partnership with Handmark to help lead the Global Venture Fund, using their expertise to support us capturing great ideas and raise the standard of mobile innovation.”

Handmark has announced that it will not only provide funding for the selected ones, but it will also offer them assistance in the development process, as well as in testing and certification, not to mention the distribution of the apps through the Samsung Application Store. More details on the initiative, as well as the possibility to submit a proposal are available here.