With more false starts than an old Morris Minor, Facebook's HTML5 app platform internally dubbed Project Spartan has finally got off the ground without a CEO taking to the stage anywhere around the globe.
The new service, which brings games to both Facebook's native and web apps, had been expected to be unveiled firstly at the firm's F8 conference, and latterly at Apple's Let's Talk iPhone event, only to be pushed if rumour is to believed as former CEO Steve Jobs' health deteriorated.
Now, with little buzz or fanfare, Facebook has coupled the launch of its first official app for iPad with an update for the social network's web and native apps for iPhone, adding games to the platform's menu system.
No face-off with Apple
Facebook has been able to sidestep any potential altercations with Apple because the platform doesn't just accomodate HTML5 games - it also points users towards the App Store on occassion.
Developers will be able to utilise what he social network has dubbed 'bookmarks' to inform those using iOS Facebook apps that a mobile version exists.
As such, if there's a native iOS app on the App Store, gamers will be pushed in that direction. If not, they'll be taken directly to the new web app.
Flasher than Flash
For developers - and the likes of EA, wooga and Zynga are already reported to be on board - Facebook games previously restricted to Flash-equipped browsers will now be able to target iOS through the platform.
However, there doesn't yet appear to be a centralised hub within Facebook for the apps themselves games are instead found by when a user types their name into the app's search bar.
Apps on board can make use of Facebook Credits for their virtual currency needs (third-party options are blocked), while said games can also be pinned to the device's home screen and loaded automatically in much the same way as existing web apps for mobile.
Though currently limited to iOS, however, it's already been confirmed that an Android viral channel is on the way, presumably working in a similar fashion.
[source: Inside Mobile Apps]
News
With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.
Top Stories
News
10 hours, 48 minutes ago
Delta game emulator hits No. 1 on the App Store download charts in 35 countries
News
12 hours, 47 minutes ago
Week in Views - The search for skills, billion dollar birthdays and terrific transmedia
News
Apr 19th, 2024
Get practical tips into key game development tools and methodologies at the Dubai GameExpo Summit
News
12 hours, 47 minutes ago
Week in Views - The search for skills, billion dollar birthdays and terrific transmedia
Feature
Apr 19th, 2024
New release roundup: Take That: This is Life, Neopets: Tales of Dacardia, Persona 5: The Phantom X and more
Feature
Apr 19th, 2024
Speaker Spotlight: Xsolla's Chris Meredith on making the most of D2C and today's revenue opportunities
Events
Arts DAO Fest 2.0 | Middle East | Apr 20th |
App Promotion Summit London | Europe | Apr 25th |
Esports Future Summit | Middle East | Apr 27th |
Dubai GameExpo Summit 2024 | Middle East | May 1st |
The MENA Games Industry Awards 2024 | Middle East | May 2nd |
GameDev Atlantic 2024 | May 4th | |
Mobidictum Meetup Berlin May 2024 | Europe | May 7th |
Mobidictum Meetup Tallinn May 2024 | Europe | May 21st |
Popular Stories
Feature
Apr 15th, 2024
46 top mobile games in soft launch: CSR 3, Plants vs. Zombies 3, LEGO Hill Climb Adventures, Candy Crush Blast, and more
News
Apr 17th, 2024