Namco Networks, a leading publisher and developer of mobile games and entertainment for mass-market casual gamers, today announced that more than 100,000 Popeye ^{comics have been downloaded by consumers since the game launched in November of 2007.}

Namco has created an innovative method of rewarding players that incorporates a network component into a mobile game that allows consumers to download comic strips as redeemable rewards. Through this method, fans of the original Popeye comic now have access to the original comics through easy viewing on-the-go. Comics are downloaded directly to a player’s mobile phone in exchange for points earned by successfully playing the game. As evident by the number of comic downloads, this has been a popular feature for consumers.

Providing rewards through the network is one of the many ways that Namco utilizes network technology to enhance game play. Other examples include the availability of new content and head-to-head play over the network.

“Players have added incentive to continue playing a particular mobile title as they are continually rewarded with new comics,” said Scott Rubin, vice president of sales and marketing, Namco Networks. “This feature, distinctive to Namco Networks’ games, turns traditional media on its head by digitally distributing a large library of pre-existing content and redefining it as a reward. The impressive number of downloads highlights how well consumers are responding to these rewards and enjoying the opportunity to access the comics.”

Popeye is just one of Namco’s titles that offers this unique reward feature. Consumers are also rewarded with comic strips in other Namco games.

Popeye is currently available on most major carriers. To learn about Namco Networks’ other mobile games, please visit www.NamcoGames.com.