Nokia appoints Grey for $100m global N-Gage launch

LONDON - Grey Worldwide has won the $100m (拢64m) global advertising account for Nokia's new N-Gage mobile gaming phone, scheduled to launch this autumn.

Grey already handles Nokia's advertising in Europe. It pitched against two other agencies also currently working on Nokia business: Bates, which last month won the global account to run Nokia's internet communications and handles the Asian creative account; and Richards Group, a Dallas-based independent, which runs Nokia's US business.

Nokia N-Gage was unveiled on February 5. Described as a "game deck", it allows users to play high-quality games against other players, connecting via Bluetooth wireless technology.

The games will be sold separately on game cards, which Nokia says will have richer graphics, enhanced sound and more extensive game worlds. Publishers already signed up to develop games for N-Gage include Activision, Eidos, Sega, Taito and THQ. Nokia will also act as a game publisher to create branded N-Gage game titles and develop an evolving games portfolio.

Besides gaming, the Nokia N-Gage mobile game deck features a digital music player, a radio, as well as operating as a tri-band GSM mobile phone.

Grey Worldwide's London office has been on a winning streak since the appointment of Garry Lace as CEO late last year. In February alone, it picked up accounts with total billings of 拢30m from Visa and Dairycrest.

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