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Bigpoint COO Henning on why in-app purchases mean it's the right time to go mobile

Online games giant set to target iOS and Android

Bigpoint COO Henning on why in-app purchases mean it's the right time to go mobile
Bigpoint COO Nils-Holger Henning is certainly not alone in his view that the platforms people play games on is becoming less of an issue.

Even 'closed networks' like iOS can – thanks to thirdparty networks such as OpenFeint or Scoreloop – link up to titles on rival platforms like Android.

It's the roll out of in-app purchase models on both iOS and Android that means German online games giant Bigpoint is about to embark on a smartphone assault, however, with Henning claiming the walls between mobile and PC have truly been broken down.

Purchase power

"We use the virtual item-selling business model through all of our games, rather than pay-per-download or subscriptions," Henning told Mobile Entertainment.

"This space is ready for us now."

As such, Bigpoint plans to launch its first smartphone release – Toon Racer – simulatneously with its debut on the firm's website, with existing Bigpoint hits Farmerama and Zoomumba also making the leap to mobile within the first half of 2011.

Game for all

"We believe that it shouldn't be the problem of the gamer where he can access a game," Henning concluded.

"Whether he's playing on his iPhone, iPad or Google phone, he plays against the same users, independently from which platform they access the game."

While Bigpoint will initially focus on iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones, Henning cited Windows Phone 7 as a platform the firm is considering supporting, as well as Android powered tablets.

[source: Mobile Entertainment]

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.