Nokia announced last week the start of a long-term collaboration with Criterion Software, the world's leading provider of middleware tools and technologies for game development, which will see RenderWare providing support for developers producing games for the N-Gage platform.

This announcement is critical in getting developer support for the N-Gage platform. According to Criterion Software, 1 in 4 console titles currently in pre-production or development are using RenderWare technology. RenderWare has been used in the development of some of the industry's hottest titles, including Sonic Heroes, kill.switch, and Grand Theft Auto: - Vice City.

The collaboration will enable both the developer and publisher communities to maximize the opportunities that the N-Gage platform presents. Developers can quickly and easily develop and deliver bespoke content for the N-Gage system, taking advantage of the unique mobile online gaming functionality the platform offers. RenderWare is already a leading choice for PC and console game development, and by leveraging the strength and power of the RenderWare toolchain, developers and publishers can now quickly scale their content and deliver innovative game concepts for the N-Gage game deck.

"RenderWare is the leading middleware technology for today's game development community, so this collaboration is logical for us," says Illka Raiskinen. "With RenderWare's support, developers can create exciting and quality games that take advantage of the unique mobile online features that the N-Gage offers in a cost-effective manner. We can ensure that N-Gage gamers have access to a wide choice of great games content, and the development community can truly realise the full benefits of developing for the N-Gage platform and view it as a serious extension to their business."

"The RenderWare multi-platform tool chain is designed to support developers in scaling their content to exploit the best in any platform they are developing for," said David Lau-Kee CEO of Criterion. "The N-Gage platform is the first commercially available handheld gaming platform RenderWare has moved to support, and we believe that it has enormous potential in terms of bringing games to an even larger audience. We are pleased to now be able to support our developer and publisher customers in delivering great game content to the N-Gage platforms."

Criterion Software is a leading provider of middleware solutions for the game development industry. A wholly owned subsidiary of Canon Inc., Criterion Software has offices in Austin, Guildford, Derby, Paris and Tokyo. RenderWare is Criterion's portfolio of game development solutions, which includes RenderWare Platform and RenderWare Studio for PlayStation 2, Xbox, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, PC and Nokia's N-Gage game deck.

RenderWare is used extensively among the game development community, including heavyweights such as Activision, Atari, EA, Konami, Midway, Rockstar Games, Sammy Studios, SCEA, Sony Online, THQ, Ubisoft and VUG. RenderWare is currently powering over 500 games in development or released - that's one in four console skus using our services and technology. Games published using RenderWare include some of the industry's hottest properties including Sonic Heroes, kill.switch, Grand Theft Auto: - Vice City, Mortal Kombat 5 - Deadly Alliance and Burnout 2: Point of Impact.