Some may say that mobile games have lost their luster due to weak technology, as the stunning flop of N-Gage was seen as the final nail on the industry's coffin. But it looks like that the said industry isn't dead yet, just in a coma. And it's starting to wake up.

If Namco Bandai really wants to dominate the mobile game industry, it's going to try a little harder because a certain company called Electronic Arts is aiming for it, too. Namco and EA aren't the only ones shocking mobile games back to life. Nokia is giving it another try.

What's bringing the buzz back? People are expected to spend US $ 3 billion this year on mobile games. By 2011, that figure will jump to US $ 17 billion. That's billion with a capital B. Where's all that money coming from? A recent study by researchers Nielsen Entertainment said that mobile phone users in six countries are now playing games more often and for longer periods. The latest digits says 80% of respondents play at least once a week and an average play session of 28 minutes.

Mobile handset technology has taken a giant leap forward. Downloading costs are plummeting, while downloading content is becoming easier. And last but certainly not least, the quality of games has entered 3D domain. EA says this is the right time to best in the market because "We see all the pieces coming together."