Aurora Feint Announces iOS/Android Cross-Platform OpenFeint PlayTime

Following Apple's announcement that its social gaming network Game Center will be launching alongside revised iPod Touch hardware next week, Aurora Feint revealed "OpenFeint PlayTime," a new infrastructure allowing real-time multiplayer gameplay across iOS and Android devices. Addressing Game Center limitations, the OpenFeint PlayTime network supports real-time voice chat, and includes a unique solution to account for dropped connections. In supported titles, disconnected players will be replaced with AI-controlled opponents until a connection can be reestablished. Game Center multiplayer requires a consistent peer-to-peer connection, ending games in progress when connections are lost. OpenFeint PlayTime will be available to developers for both platforms in "Casual" and "Core" packages. The Casual SDK enables basic functionality like leaderboards and turn-based multiplayer gameplay, while the Core version allows for advanced functionality. "Traditionally, multiplayer technology has been accessible only to top tier developers," said Aurora Feint CEO Jason Citron. "It's just too complicated and time consuming. So we invented PlayTime, which literally takes one day to integrate into a casual game." All supported games will also have access to OpenFeint's existing achievement system and friend lists. Pricing for the OpenFeint PlayTime SDK has not been announced.