The Game Developers Conference in San Francisco has become the biggest video game industry event in North America. This year, handheld gaming has stepped into the limelight with more titles being unveiled for smart phones and tablets than ever before.
One of the most popular mobile titles in history, after "Angry Birds" of course, was the 2010 food-slicing game "Fruit Ninja." So, when the makers of "Fruit Ninja" showed off their latest game, a "side-scroller" called "Jetpack Joyride", it understandably generated a lot of interest.
Phil Larsen, Chief Marketing Officer at Halfbrick Studios demonstrates Jetpack Joyride.
He explains how the phenomenon of mobile gaming has transformed the video game industry for developers.
"More and more people are going to be using mobile devices and getting involved with gaming. It's brought everyone more respect. As a game developer, five years ago, people would think it's just PS2 and Xbox. But now it's something that's really respected and really mainstream so it's really exciting."
But video games for consoles like Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3 are still the big money makers within the industry...and none are bigger than the "Call of Duty" franchise.
Last year, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" underwent the largest entertainment launch of all time, selling more than six million copies on the first day of hitting the shelves. At this year's GDC, "Call of Duty" developers unveiled the latest downloadable MW3 "map packs" that anxious gamers have been waiting for.
But even the developers of Call of Duty are looking to the mobile platforms as the next big step for gaming. Michael Condrey is the Co-Founder of Sledgehammer Games.
"It certainly feels like a transition to me as well. There are some innovative things happening on the mobile devices with the processing power of the iPad3, which is pretty incredible right?"
But downloadable content isn't just for big companies. Small independent game developers are taking advantage of the growing downloadable content market.
Gamers can download titles on their Xbox or Playstation for just a few dollars rather than shelling out fifty to sixty bucks for games sold on the high street.
One such downloadable game comes from the makers of the award-winning thought-provoking game "Portal." Square Enix showed off its latest puzzle game "Quantum Conundrum."
Kim Swift, creative director of Quantum Conundrum, explains how cheaper downloadable games can lead to more creativity within the gaming industry.
"So, something like a Call of Duty or Assassins Creed costs millions and millions and millions of dollars to make, so people are little more risk averse to try something new. But with the downloadable space, you can do really interesting, unique and innovative titles for a lesser budget."
Gamers are also buzzing about Nintendo's new Wii U console featuring a controller with an embedded touch-screen set to come out by the end of this year.
For CRI, I am Li Dong.
