Tag: japan

Sony to launch new development studio focused on mobile games

| March 29, 2016

Sony is beginning to take mobile gaming more seriously

Sony is taking another step into the mobile games space with the formation of ForwardWorks, a first-party development studio focused on the mobile space. The new developer will work exclusively on creating games for mobile consumption. ForwardWorks will be based in Tokyo, Japan, which has become one of the largest and most lucrative markets in mobile gaming, and will be a wholly-owned Sony subsidiary. Backed by Sony, ForwardWorks may develop games that are based on franchises that exist in Sony’s portfolio.

Consumers want developers to move away from dubious microtransaction model

What games ForwardWorks will be developing specifically is not yet known. Some consumers have expressed hope that the developer will shy away from conventional business practices in the mobile gaming space, such as microtransactions. In-game purchases are quite popular among gamers, but they still take issue with the fact that they can play a game for free but have to pay for additional content. Consumers have taken issue with microtransactions because they effectively gate content, preventing people from playing supposedly free games without spending money. Microtransactions also provide some players with in-game advantages over others, which many people consider to be unfair.

Mobile gaming market continues to expand, reaching $25 billion in revenue last year

Sony and Mobile GamesThe mobile gaming space is growing quickly. The mobile space is now the largest gaming segment overall, having generating $25 billion in revenue in 2015. This has made the mobile space very attractive to companies like Sony, who have a longstanding position within the game industry. These companies had traditionally focused on traditional gaming, either through game consoles or computers, but the advent of mobile technology has forced these developers to shift their focus.

Sony to continue focusing on console and PC games, but will support the mobile space

Sony will not abandon the traditional gaming space, but will be showing more support for mobile games in the future. ForwardWorks will face strong competition from various other developers that have already established a foothold in the mobile space, but the developer may find success by leveraging the power of Sony’s existing intellectual properties.

Docomo Digital aims to revolutionize mobile commerce

| February 22, 2016

NTT Docomo launches new commerce firm that will engage the world

NTT Docomo, Japan’s largest mobile network operator, has launched a new mobile commerce firm in the United Kingdom called Docomo Digital. The new firm is meant to promote mobile transactions throughout the world, encouraging a greater degree of financial inclusion. Docomo Digital already has the resources at its disposal to create new mobile commerce solutions that can be used by a wide range of merchants throughout the world.

Docomo Digital aims to create an inclusive digital commerce environment for all

Docomo Digital will be leveraging the experience of its parent company, NTT Docomo. Since 2009, Docomo Digital has been developing itself into an organization that will change the mobile payments space. The organization hopes to make mobile transactions and shopping more convenient, reliable, and secure. It also intends to create an ecosystem wherein merchants focused on the mobile space can thrive and connect with consumers that have become heavily reliant on smartphones and tablets to get their shopping done.

Demand for new services is rising quickly amongst mobile-centric consumers

Revolutionizing mobile commerceThe demand for comprehensive mobile payments systems has risen considerably in recent years. Many consumers are becoming more involved in the mobile space, using various devices to shop online and in physical stores. Companies have found that the mobile commerce space can be quite lucrative and have begun moving into this sector in order to take advantage of the enthusiasm of consumers. Demand for secure services is highest, which has created an opportunity for companies that are able to protect consumers information, especially those interested in shopping online.

Competition in the mobile space is growing as consumers become more fickle about new services

Docomo Digital will be competing with several other companies that have entered into the global mobile commerce market. These companies are eager to win the favor of mobile consumers, but this has proven to be quite difficult. When it comes to mobile payments services, consumers are somewhat fickle, opting to move from one service to the next relatively quickly. The services offering the most secure features are often considered the most successful in terms of customer retention.