Brazilian operator Claro Brasil has launched a social gaming network, compatible with Android and HTML5 phones. Ideas Social Games—developed in partnership with the PlayPhone, a U.S.-based provider of mobile social gaming—lets players interact with each other and share information about the games with other users worldwide. It is available for both prepaid and postpaid customers who have Android 2.2 or newer devices. To upgrade games or acquire new features, a monthly charge of BRL 9.90 (US $4.38) must be paid.

Tarifica’s Take

Claro Brasil is on the right track with this offering. The operator has clearly perceived the rising demand for mobile gaming, which, while particularly strong among tablet users, as we saw in the item above, is by no means limited to them. It is a smart move for Claro to partner with a well-established entity that already has a stable of high-end games and long experience at providing them via mobile. In our view, gaming plus social media is a winning combination in today’s mobile marketplace, and we encourage operators to follow Claro’s example to the extent possible.