Last week, Namco Networks announced the launch of Ms. Pac-Man for the Apple iPod. Today, we're bringing you a Gaming Bits interview with Scott Rubin, VP of Namco Networks, that gives us all a little peek at what the company has in store for iPod and mobile gamers. Read on for a few snippets.

On iPhone games. According to Rubin, Namco is "without a question one of the handful of game publishers that Apple has chosen to work with." He also noted that the company is also a top partner of Cingular, who will be distributing the iPhone.

"We're one of the few publishers that directly publishes games on almost every wireless platform," said Rubin. "Not just Java phones, but iPods, Sidekicks, Palm, Windows Mobile. If the opportunity is there, we will put our games on the iPhone. It's our mission."

Another big name in the videogames industry that is currently planning to release games for the Apple iPhone is Electronic Arts.

On original IP. "We're Namco," said Rubin. "We've been doing video games for years and we have a library that we're fortunate enough to be able to chose from like Dig Dug and Galaga." That doesn't mean that arcade ports are the only things that Namco will be bringing to the mobile gaming market, though. Rubin points towards two Namco titles, Scene It? Movies for Mobile and Pool Pro Online II, as examples of their original IP offerings.

Rubin also revealed that Namco will be doing "some original games tied to licenses like Snoopy and The Red Baron and a Dilbert title as well."

For the full interview, click on the "read" link below.

In celebration of Ms. Pac-Man's 25th anniversary, Namco Networks announced today that the game can now be purchased and downloaded via iTunes. Fifth-gen iPod owners can grab a copy for themselves for US$ 4.99 on the iTunes Store.

"Appearing on almost every gaming platform, Ms. Pac-Man has achieved iconic status since debuting 25 years ago and has become one of the top-selling video games in history," said Scott Rubin, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Namco Networks. "Launching on the iPod is a great way to kick-off a year-long anniversary celebration."

The iPod version of Ms. Pac-Man has all of the original's fan favorites, including the four unique maze designs, 256 maze levels and the "coffee break" animated intervals from the original game. The iPod version also features retro art from the original arcade cabinet and a tutorial level which allows players to perfect their ghost avoidance skills.

This version also allows players to listen to the original retro game sounds or music from their fifth generation iPod library while playing.