Introduced
OpenXLive is the gaming and social networking SNS platform on Windows Phone 7, allowing developers to add gaming and social networking SNS to their games with minimal workloads. OpenXLive is run by Fulcrum Mobile Networks, Inc. Similar applications include OpenFeint and plus+ on the iphone.
Background
We see today just the dawn of mobile Internet, the App Store is undoubtedly the first ray of light in the mobile internet age. The App Store frees developers from traditional software companies and software releases, and can achieve great success if they are creative, even individuals or small teams. With the establishment of the App Store model, countless developers are facing unprecedented opportunities.
In the face of opportunity, difficulties are also followed. As an example of game development, excellent individuals, small team developers can complete the creative, art, programming and other work. However, in the face of some non-core areas, individual developers and small teams are often somewhat powerless. For example, we need to provide online standings, game achievement, social networking, these features, although not necessary, but are conducive to improve the player's gaming experience and user stickiness.
But if these features are added, the cost is high for small teams, and if the number of games is less, the development of these non-core features will even go beyond the development of the game itself.
As a result, Game center came into being, providing developers with game-online functionality and even implementing the UI of these features, adding a few lines of code for users to have online capabilities previously available to large game companies. Of these, the iphone's openfeint is undoubtedly the most successful third party Game Center online service currently in operation.
Windows Phone 7 provides developers with Xbox Live support, but developers have to develop the appropriate UI to support Xbox Live. And Xbox Live is a closed billing system that, while having very cool features, is a bit more socially discounted than open SNSN.
OpenXLive provides developers with complete gaming capabilities and support for the appropriate UI, allowing developers to easily embed openxlive into their own games without bothering to develop the UI. And for developers and players to provide a SNS function, as long as a little bit, you can add friends, see Friends of the game achievements.
< client UI screenshot >