Verizon Wireless, Hands-On Mobile Inc. and Activision Inc. launched a mobile version of the Guitar Hero game exclusively for Verizon Wireless customers.

Guitar Hero III for mobile allows players to rock out anytime via a handset. It offers high-quality audio and gameplay, which fans of the popular console series have come to expect.

The three-button game features four authentic Gibson guitars and three venues. It challenges players to hit number keys in sync with colored notes that appear on a scrolling fret board.

Guitar Hero III for mobile offers 15 tracks from the Guitar Hero console series, including "Suck My Kiss" by Red Hot Chili Peppers and "Rock You Like A Hurricane" by The Scorpions.

Buying the game enables customers to add new song packs that become available each month from Verizon Wireless' Get It Now service.

Worldwide mobile gaming revenue is on pace to total $4.3 billion this year, a 49.9 percent increase from 2006, according to Gartner Inc. research.

Gartner forecasts $716.9 million in North American end-user revenue this year. It expects that number to increase to $1.7 billion in 2011.

Many analysts agree network speeds and 3G deployments have helped increase mobile gaming adoption. So marketers should be aware of the advantage of the gaming market in 2008.

Verizon Wireless customers can buy Guitar Hero III Mobile in the Get Fun & Games shopping aisle in the Get It Now virtual store. It costs $4.49 for monthly access or $11.99 for unlimited use purchase.

The game is compatible with the carrier's Get It Now-capable phones, including the Motorizr Z6tv, Chocolate by LG and the Verizon Wireless Gleam by Samsung.