Europe : Digital Chocolate, a developer of software for mobile phones, is helping carriers and device manufacturers drive adoption of 3G networks and 3D games with its commitment to emerging technologies, strong carrier relationships, and popular 3D gaming titles.

Digital Chocolate has been at the forefront of 3D gaming since 2002 when the company’s European headquarters began working with industry leaders to define 3D standards in JSR 184, which was ultimately published in December 2003. Soon after, Digital Chocolate began working with device manufacturers, including Sony Ericsson and Nokia, to implement and optimize 3D games within their handsets. In 2004 Vodafone – impressed by Digital Chocolate’s demonstrated commitment to a robust 3D content portfolio – selected the company as a charter 3D content provider for the global launch of its 3G mobile network, Vodafone live!. Sony Ericsson recently launched six new phones with Java™ 3D technology, several of which included 3D games from Digital Chocolate.

"Sony Ericsson has one of the widest portfolios of Mobile Java 3D enabled phones, from entry-level products to highly featured advanced products," said Peter Ahnegård, partner manager at Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications, "By offering Digital Chocolate's 3D games, including 3D Extreme Air Snowboarding and 3D Beach Mini Golf, we provide consumers with a rich, exciting multimedia experience on our 3D-enabled phones."

Digital Chocolate has also been leveraging its partnerships with the top carriers and device manufacturers to further 3G and 3D adoption in North America as well. Two of the company’s most popular 3D titles, 3D Extreme Air Snowboarding and 3D Beach Mini Golf, will be available in the U.S. through Sprint and Verizon Wireless in the spring of 2005.

“We believe that 3D will be a factor driving the adoption of wireless gaming among wireless subscribers,” said Schelley Olhava, program manager in the Consumer Markets research program at IDC. “The adoption of 3D in traditional video games spurred revolutionary growth, and as such, we expect that 3D wireless games will play a role in the growth of this market.”

“3D and 3G is a marriage made in heaven,” said Trip Hawkins, CEO and founder of Digital Chocolate. “We’re pleased to work closely with carriers worldwide to leverage their 3G networks as superior delivery vehicles for our 3D mobile games. It’s obvious we are all committed to furthering the adoption, popularity and development of 3D applications and 3G networks, and ultimately providing consumers with the best gaming experience.”