Thumbstar secures China-wide distribution deal

Mobile games developer, distributor and publisher Thumbstar has secured a deal with Viva Red Limited and China Telecom, the government run mobile operator.

The deal will allow developers that work with Thumbstar access to a vast consumer base whilst – due to the state-nature of the agreement – maintaining copyright protection for valuable IPs in a country where piracy has previously been a problem.

“Our direct partnership with Viva Red Limited and China Telecom delivers a secure route to a previously unmapped and unprotected market," said Thumbstar CEO Gareth Edmondson.

"The terms of this landmark deal will enable developers across the globe to leverage existing and future IPs to a content-hungry audience, with the peace of mind that this state-backed partnership can provide the necessary copyright protection to encourage further market growth.”

“Thumbstar has secured a new and unique opportunity for all mobile developers and publishers,” added COO Martin Kitney. “We are actively securing gaming content for Viva Red Limited, and the process of localisation and distribution will be through the unique platform of 189gameshop. The service of 189gameshop is jointly supported and maintained by Viva Red Limited and China Telecom, and we look forward to more detailed discussions with all interested parties.”

China Telecom is one of the largest mobile phone operators on earth, with over 130 million subscribers currently served, and a growth rate of 3 million users per month.