With the consumer launch of Mobage, DeNA and ngmoco's new free-to-play mobile social games platform, due in a couple of weeks, the technology has now been opened up for all developers.

Previously only handpicked studios had been allowed access to the tools, including the Sandbox toolset, which sit on top of the ngCore SDK and social, payment, currency, advertising and analytics APIs.

The Sandbox enables developers to take their game and integrate Mobage's platform features that will be available at launch.

"The Mobage launch is right around the corner and we're giving developers the tools to be ready," said Simon Jeffery, ngmoco's chief publishing officer.

"The combination of the ngCore engine and Mobage platform will empower developers to quickly and easily innovate, delivering compelling social and mobile games to market faster than ever before."

Release everywhere

Mobage builds on the successful social mobile platform DeNA has built in Japan, and combines it with elements from ngmoco's western-focused Plus+ network. The result is a framework that will enable developers to publish their free-to-play games globally, localisation withstanding.

IOS and Android are both supported, although the main focus is Android, with Samsung already announcing it will be pre-install Mobage on its Android devices, and DeNA in negotiations with other OEMs and carriers over similar deals.

"Mobage is a cross-platform, cross-border play. We want developers to be able to publish globally," Jeffery explained.

"What we're offering is unique in terms of creating an open pathway for the flow of content from west to east and vice versa."

Under the hood

In terms of developing for Mobage, ngCore is a JavaScript-based environment that's designed to make it as easy as possible to make social mobile games, and port existing iOS and Facebook content.

Yet despite this ease of use, 'native-level performance' is promised; although 3D graphics aren't currently supported.

"We think any native game on iOS or Android could be made using ngCore, although our focus is free social games," Jeffery explained.

Mobage's launch will be supported with over 100 games - including well known titles - from western and Japanese studios.

Developers can find out more at the Mobage website.