Italy Places its Order as Gizmondo Momentum Grows
Gizmondo Europe Ltd confirmed it has signed an agreement with Napoli-based distribution company, Com. Met. S.r.l., for distribution rights in Italy, ahead of Gizmondo's pan-European roll out this spring.
The 57 million-strong Italian population has long been a hotbed for mobile technology, and gaming in particular enjoys an enthusiastic audience that extends from hardcore to the mass market. Also renowned for early adoption of new gaming trends, Italy is ripe for a boom in the handheld sector this year. Both companies are working closely together to strategise the impending launch, and plans are already underway for a high-profile media event, details of which will follow.
The Gizmondo multi-entertainment device is currently being released in the UK, and is rapidly gathering momentum and interest in both Europe and North America. Street dates will be confirmed on a territory-by-territory basis, and Italy is due to be announced shortly.
The announcement comes as Gizmondo began showing the GPS functionality of the device for the first time at the CeBIT show in Hannover, Germany, which runs from 10th - 16th March 2005. The Gizmondo, its games, and GPS applications will be on show in Hall 25, stand F36, as well as being featured on the NVIDA booth in Hall 23, B43.
Arthur Ossler, director for Com. Met. S.r.l., says: "The company has placed an initial order of 120,000 units with Gizmondo Europe, which will begin to open the doors to a much wider audience. Gizmondo is an extremely exciting proposition for the Italian market. We expect significant growth in the mobile gaming sector in Italy this year, Gizmondo is superbly position to be among the market leaders, and our opening order is just the tip of the iceberg of what we expect to follow."
Carl Freer, managing director, Gizmondo, added: "Italy has always been at the forefront of mobile technology. We've focus tested extensively for each European market, and the Italian audiences favoured the device particularly highly. We will be working closely with our new distribution partner to maximise opportunities in the region."
