I've been saying it for a few years now, although the exact phrasing was coined by fellow mobile UE professional Bob Miller: Mobilize, Don't Miniaturize. You can not get the same experience on the mobile as you do on the desktop, nor do you want to. The mobile platform offers so much more that can make the experience that much better.
Basically, the mobile device is mobile. Thus The Carry Principle applies.
Well, over at Gamasutra, Demetri Detsaridis of Massively Mobile published a mobile gaming manifesto that essentially expands upon the principle of mobilization. Fun excerpts include:
1. Mobile Games must be "mobile." 3. Mobile Games must not require more than two thumbs per player.
4. Mobile Games must not "reproduce the console experience – in the palm of your hand!!"
6. Mobile Games developers must not rely on constant network connectivity.
7. Mobile Games developers must use the unique features of the platform to enhance gameplay.
Well, if Massively Mobile can deliver on their manifesto without exploding costs, we're about to see some fun games. I look forward to it.