OpenFeint to launch mobile multiplayer tech suite

Social games platform OpenFeint has announced the upcoming release of PlayTime, a multiplayer technologies set for mobile developers using the yet-to-be-launched OpenFeint 3.0.

The new suite will come in two separate SDK’s, Casual Games and Core Games, each with slightly differing API’s and architecture for their relative markets, and each will support real-time multiplayer with voice chat across iOS and Android.

The Casual Games PlayTime SDK will include drop in widgets for displaying progress, an embedded VoIP client for group voice chat, a lobby, a matchmaking system for starting sessions, and a synchronized event system for passing data between games.

PlayTime for Core Games is built in partnership with Exit Games and provides a robust architecture for 16 player server authoritative multiplayer games, with group voice chat for team coordination, as well as a skill based lobby and matchmaking system.

“The most successful games have one thing in common: they bring people together. Whether a simple board game or a stunning 3D console game, games are always better when shared with family or friends,” said Aurora Feint CEO Jason Citron.

“Traditionally, multiplayer technology has been accessible only to top tier developers. It’s just too complicated and time consuming. So we invented PlayTime, which literally takes one day to integrate into a casual game.”

Exit Games CEO Christof Wegmenn was expressed excitement about his firm’s involvement in PlayTime.

“Exit Games is proud to work closely with OpenFeint to bring the normally complex world of multiplayer games to independent mobile developers,” he said.

“We believe PlayTime will usher in the next wave of social experiences across the mobile ecosystem.”

PlayTime will launch later this year as part of OpenFeint 3.0. OpenFeint will be holding a private beta program in the intervening time.