While BlackBerry OS 6 might not have packed the kind of iOS killing features many were hoping for, RIM considers the platform a work in progress.

So, following on from the proposed launch of a new advertising platform, RIM has revealed it is to give developers a hand with a new social tool for the OS designed to connect gamers, amongst other users. 

Nose for a network

Called the BBM Social Platform, it builds upon the already popular BlackBerry Messenger service.

Tools are to be provided to allow studios to integrate social features with BBM users – including chat, game invitations and content sharing – within the games themselves.

For example, gamers will be able to invite their BBM friends to join them in a game and then chat while the game is being played.

"The BlackBerry developer community has been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to integrate BlackBerry Messenger with their apps," said senior VP for BlackBerry at RIM, Alan Brenner.

"BBM is a very popular service with over 28 million users and opening its realtime social connectivity to thirdparty applications presents incredible opportunities.

"Access to BBM services from within apps will revolutionise gaming, enhance multimedia experiences, and add a new dimension to location based applications."

Game for online gaming

It's specifically the prospect of some form of online connectivity with other BBM users within games that represents the biggest leap forward, however.

Details from RIM itself appear sketchy regarding its implementation, although comments made by Canadian studio Magmic Games' Nick Tremmaglia, suggest some form of interaction has been confirmed.

"The BBM Social Platform will allow us to bring innovative social features to our games that get friends playing together," said Tremmaglia, who heads up Magmic's Texas Hold'em Live.

"Making social connections is a cornerstone to successful casual gaming, and with BBM integration, our fans will be able to easily connect with their friends to compete or cooperate."

RIM claims BBM Social Platform will roll out in the spring of 2011.