iWin's Mahjong Quest signs license with I-play
E3 2005 - LOS ANGELES, CA - May 18, 2005: I-play, the mobile games company, today announced that it has signed its second license with the San Francisco-based online games publisher, iWin, to take its huge hit 'Mahjong Quest' to mobile phones around the world.
I-play announced earlier this year that it had licensed iWin's other best seller 'Jewel Quest' from the online games publisher. The mobile version of 'Jewel Quest' is due to launch on operator networks in North America in June, followed by its European launch in July.
'Mahjong Quest' is now matching 'Jewel Quest' on the iWin site in terms of numbers of downloads. The puzzle game is also currently listed on most top 10 list including Yahoo, MSN, RealArcade, BigFishGames. 'Mahjong Quest' recently received an outstanding 8.5/10 rating on XGPgaming.com.
The online game 'Mahjong Quest' is more than an addictive puzzle game; it is a true cinematic experience. After three dragons wreak havoc over the empire, the young Kwazi must use an ancient set of Mah Jong tiles to restore balance. Players will enjoy the sweeping animations as they help Kwazi journey through the Orient, meet wise animal guides, and use an amazing array of special tiles to solve tricky puzzles. In addition to this great story, mobile gamers will also be able to enjoy their favorite layouts in Classic-style play, and whole new challenges in Puzzle-style play.
Mahjong Quest is the latest in a number of casual 'one thumb gaming' titles that I-play has secured. Last month the mobile games publisher announced an agreement with Korean developer, Gameville to publish Skipping Stone' across its distribution partners in North America and Europe later this year.
The latest deal with iWin follows the mobile games company's launch of a new identity earlier this month, which saw it change its name from Digital Bridges to I-play. The mission behind the new brand is to make the experience of mobile gaming - from finding games, through to buying and playing them -- easy, fun and accessible for all.
David Gosen, COO of I-play commented: "By contrast to the 'appointment to play' console gaming experience, mobile gaming is a 'snack' to be enjoyed on the go or whilst multi-tasking and involved in other activities. Casual 'one-thumb' puzzle titles are not only the perfect snack, but also hold real growth potential and the promise of taking mobile games mass-market. We are very excited to be bringing another high calibre title from iWin to mobile."
CJ Wolf, CEO of iWin Inc, commented: "We are excited about releasing our 2nd hit title, Mah Jong Quest, with I-Play and believe the success of the web game and strong brand will help drive sales of the mobile game. Wireless is a strategic focus for iWin, and we will apply our same philosophy to the wireless market of developing high quality, innovative mobile games."