The future's Orange

Mobile phone operator Orange today announced the formation of its new games publishing division, which will be focusing on "massively mobile multiplayer games", with six original titles already in development and due out within the next year. All of them will, naturally, be exclusive to Orange, which will be running the games on its own dedicated server system, complete with persistent worlds, online league tables and other features more usually associated with desktop gaming. Amongst the initial line-up is Judge Dredd: Cityquake, a multiplayer action game developed by 2000AD owners Rebellion in which criminals and judges battle it out across Mega City One. Due out this winter, the game will allow you to take on all-comers or to play with your friends in a closed game, with citations and bounties being provided for top players. Rebellion are also working on Star Runner, a space trading game where players can build a trading empire by exploring star systems, upgrading their ship, forming alliances and fighting with scavengers blocking potential trade routes. Another possible highlight is Blood & Sand, a gladiatorial combat game in which players purchase, train and equip gladiators and send them into battle across the Roman Empire. Developers Atomic Planet Entertainment are promising "a labyrinth of opportunities and endless combat scenarios" as you make your way towards glory in the Coliseum in Rome. And if you fancy something completely different, how about Atomic's dating simulator Gangsta Of Love? Yes, you too can now explore bars, clubs, casinos and pools in search of your perfect partner, building up a "little black book" full of dates and contacts as you progress. Bizarre...