Tigo aims to exploit gaming opportunity

Gaming presents a valuable revenue source for mobile operators, as Eidos chief Ian Livingstone explained at Broadband World Forum in October. One such firm, global operator group Millicom International Cellular, under its Tigo brand, is aiming to grasp the opportunity by inking a deal with mobile games service provider and publisher Thumbstar Games. The deal covers various countries in Latin America as well as Africa.

The firms said that the deal comes at a crucial time in the development of the Latin American and African mobile markets, with each territory going through rapid growth in the gaming sector. Millicom estimated that the market reach of Tigo now stands at approximately 46 million customers; mainly young people in high growth markets.

“We strive to provide innovative and affordable services to our customers that meet their needs now and in the future,” said David Gilarranz, global head of entertainment at Millicom. “Thumbstar offers choice and quality games on mobile to further enrich our entertainment product offering.”

Thumbstar’s games will be available on all popular platforms in the region, including Java, Android and Blackberry.