US : HELIO LLC announced details about its mobile game service, including a custom-built mobile portal designed to maximize the 3G gaming experience. Staying true to its mission of expanding communication beyond traditional voice and text, Helio has created a game service that features an exceptional library of 2D, 3D and multiplayer games that take full advantage of its high-end multimedia launch devices -- the Hero and Kickflip(TM) -- and connects Helio members not only to games but to each other.

New Ways to Discover and Share Games

The Helio game service goes beyond conventional mobile offerings by linking Helio members through features based on technology developed by SK Telecom, available for the first time in the US. This includes the ability to "gift," or purchase and share favorite games with another Helio member, or "beg" another Helio member to purchase a favorite game for you. Helio also offers an innovative "rent" model, allowing members to try any title at a lower price before purchasing a permanent download.

"We have created a unique gaming experience that shows off the high resolution screens and advanced capabilities of our devices, while tapping the potential of the 3G network," said Sky Dayton, CEO of HELIO LLC. "We built the service from the ground up to not only let our members discover and play great games, but share them with each other through gifting and begging, both firsts in the US."

Designed by Gamers, for Gamers

The Helio game service features an original user interface that expands the experience with updates and information beyond a dull list of games. Unique to Helio is the integration of independent game ratings and reviews through a partnership with IGN.com, a leading internet videogame and entertainment destination. Posted on individual profile screens for each game, this information allows members to gain expert insight into games before purchase through a direct connection to the gaming community.

The game service also offers Helio members a number of custom tools including animated previews of in-game footage for titles, "cheat codes" free-of-charge for purchased games, a "wish-list" function that allows you to catalog favorite games for purchase later, and a "download locker" for free-of-charge re-downloads of purchased games.

"As gamers ourselves, we've seen that nobody offers a deep mobile game service with the options and information that we care about," said Leo Jun, manager of games for HELIO LLC. "So we decided to make it for Helio members. Now, with all of the information at your fingertips, there's no need to go from your mobile device to your PC for a review or take a chance on a game that you may not like. Between gifting, begging and renting, the Helio game service gives true gamers everything they need for a complete mobile gaming experience."

Game Library

The Helio game service features a deep library of 2D, 3D and multiplayer titles that take advantage of the high resolution screens and other cutting-edge multimedia capabilities of Helio devices and the high-speed 3G network. Games will be available across eight major genres including Puzzle, Casino, Arcade, Role Playing Games (RPG), Action, Shooters, Sports and Speed. With titles from some of the world's top publishers, the game service will feature a mix of popular franchises like "Tetris" (EA Mobile), "Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones" (Gameloft), "Johnny Crash" (Digital Chocolate) and "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" (Cosmic Infinity), as well as Helio-exclusive titles such as "Fortune Golf" and "Virus" (Com2uS). Additionally, to provide the highest quality content for its members, Helio is working with Tira Wireless to ensure effective game certification and porting.

Partners for the Helio game service include:

-- Airborne Entertainment

-- Com2uS

-- Cosmic Infinity

-- Digital Chocolate

-- EA Mobile

-- Exit Games

-- Floodgate

-- Gameloft

-- Gamevil

-- Glu Mobile

-- Hands-On Mobile

-- SkyZone

-- THQ Wireless

"Helio's combination of high-end devices, youth focus and an original approach to games is going to set a new precedent in the mobile space," said Michel Guillemot, CEO, Gameloft. "We are excited to be working together to create this new wireless experience for the growing youth market." Combining innovation from Korea, one of the most advanced 3G markets in the world, with services tailored for the young US consumer, Helio recently announced its exclusive launch devices -- the Hero and Kickflip -- as well as strategic partnerships with MySpace and Yahoo!. Helio will launch in the US this spring. Stay tuned.

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