Nokia and Sun Microsystems today took steps towards standardising mobile phone gaming development, in a deal which will see Nokia's tools 'SNAP' heading to Java devices creating a new de facto standard.

The "Scalable Network Application Package" will be made available to mobile game developers in future versions of the Java 2 Edition developer's kit, and should make development easier for those integrating multiplayer modes and the like.

Sun and Nokia hope to create a "global infrastructure" for mobile multiplayer gaming and SNAP will be used for Nokia's Arena, and other similar services. "Bringing mobile games is one of the most important steps the needs to take," commented Sun's Chris Mellisinos. Word is that Nokia and Sun will even provide consultants to mobile developers hoping to integrate SNAP.

What's more, the new partnership may even lead to cross-compatibility between the N-Gage and other gaming-enabled phones - something proving rather controversial among the decision makers at Nokia. More soon.

By Luke Guttridge