NTT Docomo launched its d-game service in China, working with the world’s largest operator by subscriber base – China Mobile.

The Japanese number-one will offer content via the Mobile Market portal operated by China Mobile. It said that this marks the first time d-game content has been offered under the Docomo brand outside of its home market.

Docomo said that it intends to capitalise on demand for smartphone content in China by offering “an increasing variety of localised games and various content selected for the Chinese market”.

It will start its effort with 20 titles, including non-game content such as wallpapers, from major Japanese developers such as Capcom, Konami Digital Entertainment, Tecmo Koei Games, Square Enix and MTI.

The Japanese company is not the only operator looking to apps as a way to bolster its presence in international markets. For example, in 2011, South Korean operator SK Telecom announced a partnership to launch content and apps in China, again in partnership with China Mobile.