Europe : In another first, 3, the UK's first video mobile network, today announced the launch of "over-the-air" real-time multiplayer games on 3. The service will go live in April and allows up to four gamers to play each other in real-time, over the 3 network.

The first real-time multiplayer games available on 3 will be No Refuge, a tank battle war game supplied by Mobile Interaction, followed by Lock 'n Load, an electrifying shooting game from Synergenix. In addition, 3 will launch the "turn-based" multiplayer game, Cannons Tournament, a shoot and fire cannon game supplied by Macrospace.

The real-time multiplayer gaming environment is supported on Terramove a gaming solution from TerraPlay, which will allow publishers to develop the best multiplayer games for the 3 network.

Near console quality games another UK first
3 also announced today advanced games of "near console quality", bringing the real gaming experience to UK mobile for the first time. The "near console quality" games that will be available to customers through 'Today on 3' will include Rally Pro Contest, a fast-moving 3D rally driving game and Lock 'n Load, these are both 3D games.

These "near console quality" games are being supported on the 3 network by the Mophun gaming engine that is being supplied to 3 by Synergenix.

Gareth Jones COO of 3 commented: "3 has consistently been the first to deliver the very best on 3G. As the fastest growing UK operator, this is an exciting new development in our service offering. Combined with our great value and market-leading handset portfolio, 3 continues to set the benchmark for the other operators to follow."

Graeme Oxby, Marketing Director, 3: "As the success of our music service demonstrates with over 10 million downloads in 6 months, 3 has learnt how to package and deliver compelling products over 3G. In Gaming, we are doing the same thing - picking the right games for 3G and delivering services that are immediate, fun and accessible at affordable prices."

Games on 3
3 is the only UK operator to offer customers the choice of buying and renting games. With the RENT option customers pay 25p per play, or 50p for up to three days of play on a game, this offer which is unique to 3 is proving popular with customers who want to sample a game before buying it.

With the BUY option customers make a one off payment, of between £3 and £7.50 and then have continuous use of the game on their video mobile. The near console quality games that are initially available on certain models of handset cost £7.50.

In February 2005, the top five BUY games on 3 were:
1. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (Macrospace)
2. Pub Darts (Iomo)
3. Wacky Races (Macrospace)
4. Pub Pool (Iomo)
5. Flintstones Bedrock Bowling (Macrospace)

In February 2005, the top five RENT games on 3 were:
1. Rotarix (Simian Industries)
2. PlayGolf (Simian Industries)
3. Pitfall Jungle (Sumea/Digital Chocolate)
4. Street Soccer (Sumea/Digital Chocolate)
5. Yetisports1 (Eidelweiss)