World on a Phone

Here is another interesting tid-bit: The Hong Kong-based computer game company, Artificial Life, recently announced that it expects to release a Java-based massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) for third generation (3G) phones before the end of 2005 (hey - that should be right about now!). According to an article in The New Scientist:

"the game will let players assume a virtual persona and travel through a futuristic cityscape, the company says. They will be able to chat and interact with computer-controlled characters as well as other human players and tackle puzzles that can be solved more easily through cooperation."

If people actually begin using such handheld MMORPGs, wireless providers might profit greately since large numbers of addicted players would be compelled to spend many hours using their wireless devices. I actually don't think people will be inclined to run down their batteries to play an MMORPG over long periods on a small screen. It will be interesting to see how this all develops - and what role Croquet technologies might eventually play in the authoring of handheld social applications.

The complete article in The New Scientist may be accessed here.