XBOX-HQ.COM - Nokia N-Gage Gaming Service Delayed

Nokia has told Next-Gen that its revamped N-Gage service has been pushed back from its planned November launch.

Back in August Nokia released numerous details of its reworked N-Gage gaming service, set to be backed by major publishers including EA, which will release titles such as FIFA 08 and Tiger Woods PGA Tour, Capcom, Vivendi and I-play.

While the service was initially expected to go live in November, a Nokia spokesperson told Next-Gen that it had been delayed until later this year due to hold-ups on the software front.

“This is because of a delay in software testing. It’s been pushed back a few weeks but the website will launch globally before the end of the year.”

According to Nokia, the reworked N-Gage operation represents a shift in “focus from a dedicated game phone to a gaming service.” It will focus solely on a digital distribution model, allowing users to try all N-Gage games for free from any compatible Nokia device before downloading full titles to such devices and PCs.

Initially a free N-Gage application will need to be downloaded to utilize the service, although the application will come embedded in compatible Nokia devices at a later stage.

Games sold through the N-Gage store are set to cost between €6 – €10 and will be available for purchase via a credit card, or charged through operator billing.

News-Source: Next-Gen