Vodafone launches game service in Europe

Vodafone yesterday launched a new gaming service for Europe. Apart from an insufferable name ("Vodafone live!"), the service seems to be quite nicely balanced, offering a broad cross-section of old Taito and Namco arcade classics, with more from a firm called G-Mode. Amongst the titles are versions of Pac-Man, Galaxians, Mr. Driller, Space Invaders, Puzzle Bobble and Bubble Bobble.

Sadly, Vodafone isn't going to change the face of mobile gaming overnight, as its service is only available on Sharp GX10 mobile phones and compatible with a couple of others (Panasonic GD87, Nokia 7650). As none of these phones has widespread market penetration just yet, Vodafone live! can be deemed an incentive to upgrade rather than a bit of value-added fun for existing Vodafone customers. Of course if you have been putting off the upgrade, the lovely clamshell Sharp GX10 is a noble choice, as are the Panasonic and Nokia phones, but apart from a pre-loaded Stormy Sight game from G-Mode, you'll have to pay £5 per title once you do upgrade.

Is "live!" likely to start a revolution? No. It is however an enticing proposition, and will doubtless add weight to the upgrade argument in many of your minds. Indeed, this writer's old Nokia 6210 is looking a bit long in the tooth - I may have to think long and hard about this one, which is no doubt what Vodafone (and Sharp) will want.

You can find out more about Vodafone live! by popping into a Vodafone store, or calling Vodafone retail on 07836 191191 from within the UK. Unless you want a particularly expensive phone bill.