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Nokia and its N-Gage game deck/smartphone recieved some needed support this week with an agreement with Criterion Software, a provider of middleware solutions for the game development industry.

Criterion's RenderWare's game development solutions is used by many in the gaming development community, including Activision, Atari, EA, Konami, Midway, Rockstar Games, Sammy Studios, SCEA, Sony Online, THQ, Ubisoft and VUG.

The collaboration aims to enable both the developer and publisher communities to maximize the opportunities of the N-Gage platform. With it, developers can create content and take advantage of the mobile online gaming functionality of the platform. RenderWare is already used for PC and console game development. The goal of RenderWare for N-Gage is to allow developers and publishers to quickly scale their content and deliver new game concepts for the N-Gage platform

Criterion CEO David Lau-Kee said "the N-Gage platform is the first commercially available handheld gaming platform RenderWare has moved to support."

N-Gage

Nokia's first stab at a mobile gaming platform, the N-Gage smartphone, has not sold well, nor has it received good reviews. Though it hit the market only six months ago, the mobile phone giant is at it again with N-Gage QD, a more compact and easier to use sequel.

The new model will be able run the dozen or so games already produced for the original N-Gage. However, the N-Gage QD is more compact at 5.05 ounces and 4.65 x 2.68 x .87 inches., has a hot-swappable MultiMediaCard slot for easier game switching, longer battery life, improved gaming controls, a brighter screen, and a new N-Gage Arena launcher application.

The new launcher makes it easier for gamers to connect to N-Gage users around the world over mobile networks via the N-Gage Arena. The new launcher will be made available to owners of the original N-Gage this month. As with the original, N-Gage QD owners can participate in close-range multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth.

Gamers will be happy to know that the company has eschewed the "taco" style of the original N-Gage for a more traditional and more flattering phone style. According to Nokia, the changes listed above are a result of the feedback they've received.

The N-Gage QD will be available in two versions: a GSM 900/1800 variant (Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific) and a GSM 850/1900 variant (Americas). As with all other Series 60 smartphones, the N-Gage QD also offers personal information management, an XHTML browser, email and the possibility to download and install additional Series 60 software.

It should ship everywhere but the Americas this month where it is expected to be available in June. Nokia plans to make the N-Gage QD available for a lower price than the original, which costs over $300, which is out of the range of many of the company’s target customers. The new model will retail for $199 and could go for as little as $99 from some carriers.

Forthcoming N-Gage exclusive titles include Ashen, Pathway to Glory and Pocket Kingdom: Own The World, as well The Sims: Bustin' Out, Crash Nitro Kart and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004.