It’s Game Day! As part of its "Twelve Days of Power Shopping," Sprint (NYSE: S) has teamed up with one of its premier gaming partners to create the ultimate holiday gaming experience. Beginning today, Sprint customers with data or Vision service subscriptionsand capable handsets will enjoy free wireless gaming demos from Namco
Networks, who is celebrating Sprint Game Day by giving away $50 worth of Namco products to the first 25 people who download free demos of arcade classics PAC-MAN, Ms. PAC-MAN, Galaga and Dig Dug.
Throughout the holiday season and early 2007, Sprint Game Lobby users can participate in this holiday gift to classic arcade gamers by visiting Namco’s customized portal, Free Demos – PAC-MAN’s Picks, found on the games home page on the Sprint wireless web or by texting "PACPICKS" to 26262 on
their Sprint or Nextel wireless phone.
Mobile games from Sprint can be purchased on the PC via the Sprint Digital Lounge, as well as purchased and downloaded over the air on a wireless phone, providing on-the-go access to entertainment while mobile gamers stand
in line at the bank or wait for a plane. With the mobile phone doubling as a backseat entertainer, parents won’t have to answer "Are we there yet?" anymore. Even mom and dad will want to slip away from family for some old-school arcade alone time.
"Key Sprint partners such as Namco have preloaded games onto handsets that have a very high sell-though rate, which indicates consumers want these types of games" said Lewis Ward, research manager, Wireless Communications Research, IDC. "Because preloaded games have been so successful, it’s only natural that would give gamers the opportunity try more games with free demos."
"Top game companies like Namco have shown great dedication to educating consumers by offering quality mobile game demos free this holiday season,"
said Joe Ariganello, product manager of games for Sprint. "Consumers who may be new to mobile games now have an easy and fun entry into mobile gaming and we have a great selection of games that will keep them coming back for more."
"As one of the leading carriers, Sprint is consistently recognized for its dedication to educating consumers about the entertainment value that can be found on mobile devices," said Scott Rubin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Namco Networks. "By partnering with them to offer consumers free access to arcade classics, we see a great opportunity to increase consumer
awareness and advance the mobile game industry."
It’s definitely play time in the Sprint Digital Lounge, a new Web site that allows customers to browse, preview and purchase content via a computer connection. The site offers an additional option to finding content directly on Sprint phones. And for a unique way to give a virtual holiday gift, Sprint customers can purchase certain content, including games, on the Sprint Digital Lounge and have it sent directly to another Sprint Vision subscriber’s phone. Both current and prospective Sprint customers can drop by and play at the Sprint Digital Lounge by visiting www.sprint.com/digitallounge.
Collaboration between carriers and publishers, such as the offering of free demos, are a part of the industry’s effort to increase consumer awareness on the breadth and quality of mobile games available on their mobile phone.
Gaming already crosses so many demographics, and Sprint offers the most diverse categories and options for mobile games ranging from single to multi-player including: Bowling & Pool, Solitaire & Poker, Console Hits, Action & Adventure, Retro & Arcade, Puzzle & Trivia, Card & Board, Sports & Racing, TV & Movie and more.
Please note that the free game demos, although featuring much of the content included in the full-length versions of the game, do not provide the user with the full functionality of these games.