Global Java Wireless Games Push

Digital Bridges announces today that it has begun a major rollout of its Java games and download services in the company's key markets across the globe. A wide array of Digital Bridges' Java and download entertainment services are being made available across multiple distribution channels, including retail outlets, mobile network operators, media companies, Web portals and Internet service providers to reach an unparalleled number of consumers.

"Java is the next significant step in the evolution of mobile entertainment into a profitable, mass-market industry and we are pushing this technology to the fullest," says Brian Greasley, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Bridges. "The key differentiation factors of our Java rollout will be threefold. First, our multi-channel distribution strategy will allow us to significantly broaden our audience reach, and we expect a major uptake in the usage of our services once these distribution channels are fully set up across our key markets.

"Second, a big portion of our Java portfolio is based on globally recognised entertainment brands such as Men In Black IIÔ, Space InvadersÒ, and Scooby-DooÔ, which will differentiate our games from the many unbranded, unknown Java titles that are currently on the market. Third, thanks to our UNITY platform and integration into nearly 50 mobile network operators across the globe, we will be able to bring full interactivity to our Java offering, allowing for a richer, more community oriented gaming experience."

Digital Bridges Retail Offerings

Java Games -- On the heels of Digital Bridges' successful SMS gaming packs, which it launched into UK distribution outlets over the summer, the company has developed a range of Java gaming packs themed around some of its most successful Java titles. The initial premium branded portfolio will include 'Scooby-DooÔ: Jeepers Creepers', 'Denki Blocks!', and 'Space InvadersÒ', and will be offered for black & white handsets (initially the Nokia 3410 and 6310i, Siemens M50 and C55), as well as colour handsets (initially the Nokia 7650 and 7210).

Foto Fun -- Digital Bridges will also distribute the 'Foto Fun Pack', a collection of fun and simple-to-use applications that make integral use of the facilities of the new camera phones:
- FotoEdit allows camera phone users to modify images with a wide selection of amusing elements and send the results in an MMS or email.
- FotoPairs enables camera phone users to add a personal touch to the familiar memory game as images from within the users' personal photo album can be used as the backdrop of the game.
- With FotoPuzzle, mobile phone users can combine their pictures with the classic sliding-tile puzzle to create their own personalised game.
- FotoFit brings the traditional seaside picture boards into the twenty first century by allowing imaging phone owners to place the subjects of their pictures in any situation they want.

The Foto Fun pack was developed by iomo and is initially only available for Nokia 7650 camera handsets, but will be compatible with additional camera handsets as they are launched into the market.

"This is our biggest push into the retail space since we've started targeting this distribution channel," says Tony Pearce, Head of Retail at Digital Bridges. "But it is only the beginning. We will be rolling out our Java and download entertainment packs in our remaining European markets as well as in the US and Canada before the end of this year, and obviously we will work towards broadening our offerings to include additional Java games packs and wider handset availability."

The Java games and Foto Fun packs will be available in UK retail outlets from 1. November at a suggested retail price of £9.99.

Traditional Distribution via Mobile Phone Operators

Digital Bridges' Java games and download personalisation services are also available with mobile phone operators, its traditional distribution channel. Several Java titles were made available to O2's Games Arcade users in the UK starting in September, including 'Men in Black IIÔ - Same Planet. New Scum' and 'Denki Blocks!'. The same titles, as well as a number of additional Java games, will shortly be available on other European and US mobile networks.

Additional Distribution Channels

Digital Bridges is in advanced talks with a number of Web portals, Internet service providers and media companies to offer its entertainment products over the Internet, interactive television, teletext, and the print media, with anticipated major announcements over the next few weeks.