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WWDC 2012: Game Center gains head to head multiplayer across iOS and Mac

130 million signed up to platform

WWDC 2012: Game Center gains head to head multiplayer across iOS and Mac
With 130 million Game Center users now on board, Apple used a portion of its WWDC 2012 keynote to announce it's expanding the platform to Mac.

The games network's launch on OS X will be coupled with cross-platform multiplayer, allowing games to support not just turn-based multiplayer across iOS and Mac, but also head to head.

Gear for gamers

Using a character who looked suspiciously like The Stig from Top Gear – dubbed Racer OS X – Apple demoed the feature using CSR Racing, the next game from UK studio NaturalMotion. 

As well as multiplayer, Game Center for Mac will also support typical features already enjoyed on iOS, such as the ability to view what friends are playing, as well as game stats and scores via custom profiles.

Game Center should be included as part of OS X Mountain Lion when it launches in July.

The move is already being billed as one designed to make Game Center a stronger proposition for iOS, bringing Mac's millions of gamers on board just as Microsoft prepares to bring Xbox Live functionality to Windows 8 tablets.

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.