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Ideaworks and Unity add game support for BlackBerry PlayBook

Integrated into Airplay plus titles from Union

Ideaworks and Unity add game support for BlackBerry PlayBook
Further to the news RIM will soon be releasing its C/C++ native development kit for its forthcoming BlackBerry PlayBook tablet, comes the addition of support from leading game engines.

Ideaworks will be adding support for BlackBerry's new QNX operating system as part of its Airplay mobile and portable game development environment.

It will be made available to all Airplay Indie and Pro licensees.

"Supporting a new OS can be a challenge for developers, however, integration of the BlackBerry Tablet OS with the Airplay SDK makes this a non-issue." said Alex Caccia, president of Ideaworks Labs.

"We think this is a far-sighted move by RIM: the BlackBerry PlayBook is a great device for games and applications, and combining this with content distribution via BlackBerry App World brings an exciting new ecosystem for developers."

Specials from Unity

In addition, Unity will be supporting PlayBook, although it appears that, at present, the solution will be more of custom coding process than something added into the general Unity engine, as with its support for iOS and Android.

In this way, dozens of Unity developed games will be made available to the BlackBerry App World via the company's Union aggregation service.

“With a sharp focus on the multimedia experience, very powerful hardware, and fantastic games in the pipeline, the BlackBerry PlayBook has all the right ingredients to be a mainstream hit,” said Brett Seyler, Union's general manager.

“Through Union, Unity developers have an opportunity to reach a new audience and grow with another great new platform.”

[source: RIM]
Contributing Editor

A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.