The game was played on an electronic display over the entrance of Akihabara electronics superstore Yodobashi Camera. Up to six players (cell phones and YouTube users) duked it out in a 90-second race to paint square on a grid and locate Toshiba mascot Pala-chan.

To play, folks in Akihabara called a phone number before the game started. YouTube users clicked a button on Toshiba's YouTube channel.

The tech was showing off digital signage that was able to handle real-time internet data. While this billboard was a one-off, Toshiba plans more interactive billboards in the future.

手持ちのケータイで操作—東芝がヨドバシAkibaの壁面ディスプレイでゲーム大会 [Nikkei via Pink Tentacle]

For the Law & Order buffs, here are all the details (cue that annoying Law & Order sound effect that's played like 1,000 times/episode).

NBC UNIVERSAL AND LIMELIFE PARTNER TO LAUNCH NEW MOBILE GAME - "LAW & ORDER: CELEBRITY BETRAYAL" - BASED ON THE LONG-RUNNING CRIME DRAMA "LAW & ORDER"

"Ripped From The Headlines" Game Draws Users Into Challenging Celebrity Murder Case

(NEW YORK) - March 11, 2008 - NBC Universal and LimeLife, Inc. today announced the launch of "Law & Order: Celebrity Betrayal(tm)," the mobile game extension for NBC's long-running crime drama, "Law & Order," now in its 18th season. Capturing the fast-paced drama and intrigue of the hit series, "Law & Order: Celebrity Betrayal" will draw players into a complex murder mystery where they will interact with cast members, interrogate witnesses, solve the crime and proceed to trial. Executive Producer Dick Wolf and his team were instrumental in developing the game with LimeLife to reflect the signature storytelling and energy of "Law & Order."

"One of the contributors to the show's longevity has been its commitment to evolve with the times and stay fresh which includes allowing our audience to experience 'Law & Order' in different ways and on different screens," said Dick Wolf, creator and executive producer of "Law & Order." "'Law & Order: Celebrity Betrayal' is the closest fans of the show can come to experiencing a day in the life of their favorite 'Law & Order' characters."

"'Law & Order: Celebrity Betrayal' delivers the same suspense and procedural drama that have kept 'Law & Order' an audience favorite for 18 seasons and one of the most successful brands in television history," said Jeremy Laws, Senior Vice President, Mobile & Broadband, Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group. "We know that fans of the series will really enjoy the chance to immerse themselves in the crime solving and trial experience that they have come to love on the show." Laws continued, "Creating mobile games based on popular television series like 'Law & Order' is one way NBC Universal is looking to extend our audiences' experience with the brand."

"NBC excels at creating seamless digital experiences for all of its brands," said Kristin McDonnell, CEO of LimeLife, Inc. "We are pleased to support NBC's cross-media integration strategy, delivering the 'Law & Order' brand experience to show fans and crime buffs alike on their mobile phones."

How to Play "Law & Order: Celebrity Betrayal"

Players work to solve New York City's latest celebrity crime by investigating the crime scene, interrogating witnesses and bringing their key suspect to trial. The object of the game is to build as strong a case as possible and win a conviction with contextual advice and feedback from popular Law & Order cast members like Sam Waterston and Alana De La Garza. Players exhibit the evidence they have collected throughout every stage of the story during the game's complete trial experience, and try to win a conviction to become the rookie "Law & Order" star.

"Law & Order: Celebrity Betrayal" also features four mini-games that directly affect the strength of a player's case. At the game's precinct location, players can help process evidence and obtain warrants by playing the Warrant Race game, and search for rumors playing the Coffee Run game. While in court, players can try their luck at Case Overload or Takeout Dash.

"Law & Order: Celebrity Betrayal" will be available for a one-time download charge of $6.99 or $2.99 monthly subscription fee (where available) on most major U.S. carriers. Consumers should check with their carrier for availability and handset compatibility.

BioShock Being Squeezed Into Cell Phones [Gamelife]

Nintendo Game & Watch Modded Into Cellphone (Verdict: WANT) [Gizmodo]

Yes, you read that correctly—aquatic mechanical bull riding. Doesn't anyone just swim naked anymore? What a grey, humdrum life is lived beyond the blessed walls of Hugh Hefner mobile entertainment. If you're looking for more details, here's the full, anatomically accurate version:

January 28, 2008 - THQ Wireless Inc., a subsidiary of THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI), today announced that it has signed a worldwide agreement with Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: PLA, PLAA) to exclusively develop Playboy-branded mobile games. The multi-year Playboy agreement covers the development and publishing rights to multiple Playboy-branded, lifestyle themed, non-nude mobile games featuring bikini-clad Playmates to be released worldwide. The first title, Playboy Games: Pool Party, is scheduled to launch in summer 2008.

"Given the extensive appeal and popularity of the Playboy brand, mobile games based on this license are sure to provide a fun and entertaining experience," said Adam Comiskey, vice president, international, THQ Wireless. "THQ Wireless is ideally positioned to provide engaging games with the hallmark of the Playboy lifestyle."

"The number of Playboy fans around the world has never been greater and that popularity is reflected in the growing sales of Playboy-branded products and services," said Ed Lang, senior vice president of mobile, Playboy Media Group. "Given the growth of the mobile industry, we're excited to join THQ Wireless in offering this next-generation form of entertainment to consumers."

Playboy Games: Pool Party will include a set of mini-games depicting animated, bikini-clad Playmates at the famous Playboy Mansion engaged in "pool party sports" including poolside water balloon fights, waterslide slaloms and aquatic mechanical bull riding. Developed by THQ Wireless internal studio Universomo, Playboy Games: Pool Party is based on actual events held at the Playboy Mansion and immortalized in the Playboy Home Entertainment DVD release, Playmate Playoffs, hosted by Chuck Woolery.

Peripheral company Zeetoo is coming up with a Nunchuk-like device for cell phones. The Zeemote, that's really what it's called, no lie, will connect to select cell phones using Bluetooth. The controller has an analog stick and buttons in a Nunchuk-shaped device. The company says they also have a motion-sensing version of the controller in the works and another prototype that will have a tracker ball.

Personally, I don't think it's the lack of controls that is keeping mobile gaming from realize the potential that mobile game developers are always harping endlessly about. I think the real problem is the lack of a single operating system, something that, dare I say it, the N-Gage platform might actually help fix.

Mobiles Get Nunchuk Controller [CVG]

The 34 members of the Open Handset Alliance will be helping to develop this important software—one of whom is NVIDIA, the same company who makes up the yin of ATI's yang in providing 3D bliss to gamers on different platforms around the world. This partnership by no means implies that the Google Phone will be a gaming machine ala N-Gage, but that Google is taking the right early steps to support the potential of some pretty gaming on their newest endeavor. So now you know.

GPhone is Official - A Software Platform For Cellphones [gizmodo]

While in Austin, Fahey took a photo of a bag. The contents of that bag included a magazine and other literature. In Fahey's picture, you can clearly see the name of a former laptop maker. What is the name of that blue company?

Get out and play - with N-Gage games in your Nokia device

Nokia reveals N-Gage games service with new publishers and game titles

London, UK - Life just got more entertaining with the new N-Gage mobile gaming service. The service allows you try all N-Gage games for free from any one of the tens of millions of compatible Nokia devices in the market. Once hooked, you can conveniently download and buy a game on your device or PC and continue the fun. You can also share the fun by connecting instantly with friends, challenging players around the world, and participating in community activities in the N-Gage Arena.

"As we expand our focus from a dedicated game phone to a gaming service, we are making getting and playing games even easier," said Jaakko Kaidesoja, head of the games business at Nokia. "The N-Gage service combined with powerful devices, world class titles and brands, and interactive social networking features, takes the mobile gaming experience beyond traditional boundaries."

The N-Gage service will be available globally in November 2007. At that time, the free N-Gage application can be downloaded from http://www.n-gage.com (PC or mobile) and installed in compatible devices. Later, the N-Gage application will be embedded in a wide range of Nokia devices, including the new Nokia N81 and Nokia N95 8GB, so consumers can play straight out of the box.

Furthermore, support for N-Gage continues to grow with EA SPORTS™ FIFA 08, The Sims™ 2 Pets, Tetris®, and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® being developed for the platform as well as new publishers Capcom and Vivendi, and its famed Crash Bandicoot®, on board. Nokia Publishing also announced new titles: Snakes Subsonic and Bounce Boing Voyage.

"With the new N-Gage experience, fans of some of our most popular franchises like FIFA or The Sims can play and stay connected with other fans. With millions of compatible Nokia devices already in the marketplace, we're very excited to help bring quality mobile gaming expriences to the fingertips of a global audience," said Barry Cottle, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EA Mobile.

The indicative pricing for N-Gage games sold through the N-Gage store will range between six and 10 euros excluding local taxes and can be bought with a credit card or charged through operator billing where available. Operator billing is supported in over 20 countries and credit card billing is available globally. Daily and weekly game licenses are also available at lower prices and all games are free to try before purchase. Moreover, whether you choose to get games over the air or over the internet, managing your games catalog is a breeze with simple store and sync to your PC.

If it's good enough for the Wii, it must be good enough for mobile phones! Yesterday, Japan's biggest cell phone operator NTT DoCoMo introduced a new handset outfitted with a motion sensor. Created by Mitsubishi, the D904i lets you swing it around like the Wii-mote to play tennis or sword fighting games. Motion controls for cell phones sound utterly impractical considering how the screen and the controller are connected. Plus, seeing how most people in Japan play cell phone games on the train, would anyone actually play this way in public? Remember: This marks the second Mitsubishi phone that has been "inspired" by Nintendo. Bout time they got their own ideas, no? Brian Ashcraft

New Wii-mote Phone [Reuters]

Fourteen contestants. One winner. MaxGames, Malaysia's leading mobile game publisher, held a mobile gaming tournament. The winner was crowned Miss MaxGames 2007 and signed a year contract to head up the company's all-female all-mobile gaming team for 15,000 Malaysian Ringgits (US $4,340). Oh and as a gaming non-sequitur, they also gave her a PLAYSTATION 3. Brian Ashcraft

Miss Max Games [Official Site via Dark Diamond]

Pocketgamer (via GameSetWatch) has a look at bad translations in mobile gaming. While bad localization in console titles is pretty much a thing of the past, the same isn't true for cell phone ones thanks to low budgets. Take this line from Magnetic Joe:

Take Joe to the exit while avoid spikes! While you are magnetised, the neighbour magnetic cells attract you!

Okay! We will! And thanks for the tip! But this kinda stuff is not just in-game. The odd sounding lingo even pops up in the marketing material. Check out the blurb for Death Trap:

Death Trap is a horror action game that the terrifying graphics will make you enticed with surreal illusion.

Awesome. I am so there. Brian Ashcraft

Mobile Translations Funny [GameSetWatch]

In the sequel, you're Hugo Hafner, the "erotic scene's star producer" and your goal is to "extensively care for your girls in your pompous villa, arrange many parties and have fun with your guests and your roommates." Also, you're apparently supposed to "convince the young beauties constantly with a fine figure and enough endurance" because "the Grim Reaper is constantly closing in!".

I thought about trying to decipher what that all means, but realized, hey, it's a German mobile phone game. I'd want those minutes back on my death bed.

The extensive feature list and unmissable press release are after the jump. Michael McWhertor

HandyGamesTM starts in 2007 with "Porn Manager 2 - The Villa"

After the huge success of Porn Manager, HandyGames proudly presents this year's top seller, which is based on the motto Enjoy your life to the fullest!"!

As the erotic scene's star producer you have reached everything during your professional life: girls, fame and lots of money!

You slip into the role of the most enviable man of the world! It's your task to enjoy your retirement as long as possible in the most comfortable way and to reach a truly biblical age!

Because your elixir of life are pretty, glamorous girls, you have to try to gather as many of them around you as possible. Since you are a true gentleman, you extensively care for your girls in your pompous villa, arrange many parties and have fun with your guests and your roommates.

A life of total privacy wouldn't be suitable for an old pickup like you! Invite the press regularly and use your beautiful girls to increase your popularity. Convince the young beauties constantly with a fine figure and enough endurance.

Try hard - the Grim Reaper is constantly closing in!

As from the 6th February 2007 will Hugo Hafner's funny game be available for download.

Features:
* Lead an excessive evening of life in your pompous villa!
* Enjoy the presence of the world's most beautiful women
* Parties, press and glamour aplenty are the key to a long life
* Extensively care for your girls
* Clothe your beauties according to your wishes and make generous gifts
* Countless possibilities and actions
* Huge villa with Chill-Out area, love nest and legendary grotto of lust
* Tutorial-tour through the villa
* Savegame
* Highscore
* Simple controls

Japan's NTT Docomo unveiled a horde of new handsets, including this white dual screen clamshell from Mitsubishi. Jumping on the "Touching is Good" bandwagon, the bottom screen is a *surprise* touch screen (sound familiar?). With The Land of the Rising Sun gobbling DS Lites as soon as they hit store shelves, can't blame Mitsubishi for skiing in Nintendo's wake. What else, the cellie's a FOMA branded mobile, which means that it definitely doubles as a video phone as well, but probably not a music player. And the name of this product? Why, it's the D800iDS. Brian Ashcraft

DS-Like Phone [Docomo via Digital World Tokyo]

John Carmack, the man that brought us Doom, is now bringing us a cell phone game Orcs and Elves and possibly a DS version of, well, Orcs and Elves. The game is an old style RPG. Carmack tells Wired's Chris Kohler:

We're hoping to do a DS game version of Orcs and Elves, moving over and enhancing the cell phone game on there, which would be our first real direct entry back into the Nintendo world.

Entry back into the Nintendo world?

We've never had a close, good relationship with Nintendo from like way back... and we were always just kind of peeved at the whole Nickelodeon censor arrangement with Nintendo. So we've kept them at arm's length for many console generations now.

Good news. Heck, I'd be interested to see a Carmack Wii-shooter. Who wouldn't? Brian Ashcraft

Carmack Nintendo Keen [Game|Life]

The future of gaming? Mobile games company honcho David Gosen says it is, brace yerself, mobile phones. A quote from the man:

If you look at the console industry, over 300 million consoles have been sold in the last 25 years, while 800 million phones get sold every year. Which one's mass market? It has to be the mobile device.

Look at that logic, folks. LOOK AT IT. It continues:

In terms of revenues, of course, console's far greater, but more games will be played on mobile than they will on console.

Okay, okay. We're giving David a hard time. I mean, he did toil at Nintendo of Europe during the GameCube era. And he is a CEO of a cell phone game company. So, he knows his stuff! Says David:

Although console's been successful, it's been successful for a pretty tightly defined niche of players. I think that's perhaps starting to change, and will take time, but mobile is true mass market.

Guess who left Nintendo before the DS and the Wii went on sale? Anyhoo, my two cents: People don't want Swiss Army knives. There are tons of MP3 playing cell phones, yet the iPod still reigns. Samsung figured out how to get a 10 megapixel camera on a cell phone (or vice versa), yet there's still a strong demand for digital cameras. Cell phone gaming is a viable market, but as the DS proves, it's not the most important. Now, if Nintendo made mobile phones... Brian Ashcraft

Cell Phone Gaming FTW? [GamesIndustry]

The heart of the PLAYSTATION 3? A suped-up Cell processor developed by Toshiba, IBM and Sony. A single chip contains a main processor and eight sub-processors to unleash 200G Flops (floating point operations per second) of power. And now Toshiba plans to put that chip in mobile devices.

At the recent CEATEC show in Japan, the company showed off a more powerful, in development version of the chip with lower power consumption and increased performance. Says Mitsuo Saito, chief fellow at Toshiba's semiconductor company and one of the key creators of the chip:

Maybe other partners are going onto the very high-end. We are focusing on the low power area. One is for more mobile types of applications such as small games or some mobile phone-like systems.

Sony plans to look into other uses once the PLAYSTATION 3 has been launched. Yippie. Brian Ashcraft

PS3 Cell In Cell Phones [Digital World Tokyo]

Enough about Nintendo ripping off other people, and on to other people ripping off Nintendo. Back in 2005, Nintendo released pet sim Nintendogs. The game was a smash, and other companies attempted to ski in Nintendo's wake by releasing their won dog trainers. Time has passed, and now Bandai, the company behind Tamagotchi, is releasing a mobile phone pet simulator that borrows extensively from Nintendogs right down to the cover art. Titled My Little Dogs: Kawaii Dogsis a casual cell phone game for the Europeans. Don't know about you, but even now I am totally Nintendog-ged out and don't even want to see another animal sim. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [Wonderland]

Not sure about you, but my DS Lite's battery is an energy camel. I can go days without charging the portable. So all these DS extra batteries that keep popping up seem pointless. Though, this iPod-looking thingy is not just for the DS per se. It also provides extra juice for Japanese cell phones and PCs, actually making it a tempting investment. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [IT Media]

When Electronic Arts shelled out US $680 million for Jamdat Mobile, the gaming giant put money were its mouth was and showed how important cell phone gaming is. EA confirmed that titles like Medal of Honor, Battlefield, Spore are in the pipeline. Out of all those titles, Spore seems like the best bet. It's casual if need be, but a title that could be played longer. Perfect for quick waits at the bus stop and longer ones at the doctor's office. And that is exactly what mobile gaming should be. Brian Ashcraft

More Here [GameSpot] via Aeropause