Ubisoft's first release for iPhone and iPod touch was Assassin's Creed II, a well reviewed game but one that seemingly didn't monetise fast enough for the console publisher.

"It doesn't seem to be as profitable as on the other platforms," a spokesman was reported as saying, perhaps because of the lower pricing and the longer selling period compared to retail releases.

Nevertheless Gameloft's sister company continues to experiment in the area, releasing its first iPad game in the shape of free to play massively multiplayer title Might & Magic Heroes Kingdoms.

Build everywhere

Launched as part of the international iPad roll out, the game will be released for PC and Mac as well, but is currently available just for iPad in the UK and Germany. It's already live on these platforms in France.

In terms of the business model, it's a free to play game with subscription options gaining players additional features and unlocking the highest levels of progression.