To clarify my point of view...
This thread was started to guage the public's acceptance of arcade gaming on the new MS SmartPhone platform. I do not think it is an ideal gaming platform, but it is the best one I've seen so far. It offers direct screen access with GAPI, the Windows API for easier transition of existing code/experience, and looks like it will be picked up by a number of cellular carriers.
I think Java has its place in the world and on cell phones, but it is not suitable for ARCADE games on phones. These phones do not have the excess CPU power needed to run code at a reasonable speed on an interpreted virtual machine.
I succeeded in getting PacMan to run on the SmartPhone 2002 platform (running on a prototype phone). I'm not sure if the project will ever see the light of day because it needs someone to sponsor it and negotiate with Namco.
Some games are well suited for this platform - I think PacMan is one of them. It does not require you to pound on the keys for rapid firing; it does not require lots of buttons for different controls. The only thing required is precise timing of the 4 directional arrows. It can be played with one hand on a SmartPhone. A game like Galaga would not work well on a SmartPhone. Arcade games like PacMan can be played in a couple of minutes - perfect for when you are stuck waiting for something and have your phone with you.
I have no idea about the potential market for this type of phone, but I think it is a step in the right direction as far as putting a powerful phone/computer in your hands and I think gaming is something that people will like to do with them.
L.B.
Linear Mode
