OpenFeint launches closed beta for new free-to-play development tool for developers.

On May 13, 2011 8:50 pm, by droid

OpenFeint has been busy it seems with providing developers more ways to be successful on the Android platform. Today they are launching an expansion to their OFX platform and offering up a new set of tools for developers to use to create free-to-play games for Android. Maybe you’ll make the next smash hit Freemium game?

So what do these tools do for you when developing a freemium game? It’ll let you create and manage virtual economies without having to worry about building the servers and system. This will work in conjunction with Google’s in-app purchasing system during the closed beta but future updates will include the ability to use different payment methods as well. Essentially, if you are building a freemium game with in-app purchases, this is supposed to make doing that, and your life, a little easier.

You can check out the press release below for full details. This is currently launching right now as a closed beta and sign-up for the closed beta is now open! If you are interested, sign up and hopefully you will get picked!

Developer Website: OpenFeint

OpenFeint Expands Free-to-Play Platform to Google’s Android

Game developers can now monetize their users by selling virtual currency and virtual goods

May 13, 2011 – Burlingame, Calif. – While Facebook-style developers rapidly move their games to mobile, traditional mobile game developers are adopting the same free-to-play model – giving games away and making money from in-game purchases. Google’s IAP system lets developers process in-game transactions, but most lack the virtual economy management system necessary to build profitable games.

With the private beta launch of OFX for Android, game developers can now easily build and manage profitable virtual economies without having to build and operate the servers themselves. OFX helps developers run complete virtual stores – stocking and selling virtual currency and goods, analyzing real time performance, and modifying inventory on the fly.

“IAP systems are like credit card machines – necessary to process transactions but somewhat useless without a store around it. OFX makes it easy for any game developer to build that store and have confidence in its ability to scale as they snag millions of DAUs,” said Jason Citron, founder and CEO of OpenFeint.

For games selected to participate in the private beta, OFX will use Google’s IAP to process payments. Future updates will include support for alternative payment providers, like direct-to-carrier billers.

“We’d rather focus on building great games than an incredibly complex scalable server infrastructure. Using OFX for iOS has been incredibly easy, so we’re excited to implement it in our upcoming Android games,” says Shainiel Deo, CEO of Halfbrick Studios.

OpenFeint is strongly invested in developing gaming on Android. Just last week it announced the launch of a new distribution channel for Android games in China, called “The9 Game Zone.” Earlier this year, it announced a strategic partnership with The9 to bring quality games to Android through the $100 million Fund9.

The OFX private beta is open for a limited time and will close as soon as all slots are filled. Developers interested in learning more about OpenFeint and participating in the OFX Private Beta should visit OpenFeint.com/developers/ofx.

OpenFeint launches closed beta for new free-to-play development tool for developers.

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