While the current focus of handset manufacturers is on app stores and native content, there's another area of mobile gaming that's growing fast - browser-based games.

One company operating in the area is SkillPod Games.

And with the launch of gazuma!, its Flash Lite browser-based platform, CEO Mark van Diggelen is talking up the sector's potential.

"With the high penetration of mobile handsets with internet browsers, why not allow users to play their favourite games without the need to first install them?" he argues.

Connected platform

Gazuma! allows users to play games directly from their mobile browsers, while registering and logging in enables them to save game scores, enter tournaments, win Pods (SkillPod's virtual currency platform), challenge friends, build friends lists (including Facebook integration), message friends, as well as buy games to download and play offline.

"We've been releasing our games via the Ovi Store since December 2009, and are delighted with the results," adds van Diggelen.

Indeed, because of this, SkillPod has focused on specific optimisation for Symbian S60 version 5 handsets, such as the Nokia 5800 and N97 handsets.

The platform itself consists of 20 titles, while 12 to 18 new games will be added every month.

Rebrand and sell

"As well as being great for gamers, the strength of the platform lies in the fact it can be customised as a white label solution," van Diggelen explains.

All games can be customised, re-branded, translated and have the potential to include advertisers' branding. Publishers also have the flexibility to offer the games via free to play, subscription-based and or time-based access options.

Payment solutions include direct operator billing, PayPal and credit cards with SkillPod partnering with the international payment provider Zong, for country and currency specific options.

You can find out more details about the service, and play a web versions of the games via your browser, at gazuma.com.