With many developers still waiting on Microsoft to release the native SDK for Windows Phone, it might seem a backwards step for a middleware company to announce an entire cross platform technology built on C# and .NET.

But that's the approach German outfit MobileBit is encouraging with its Delta Engine.

The advantages, it says, are that developers can make their game using their tried-and-testing Windows/.NET workflow and tools, then pressing 'the magic button' to spit out versions for Windows Phone, iOS and Android.

We're guessing there may - actually- be slightly more to the process than a button push in terms of optimisation etc, but the philosophy is clear enough. Also, MobileBits provides the engine source code so you can extend it as you like.

Dig down deep

"Unity3D is very popular and can be very helpful for prototyping, but if you prefer to work on a code level and want more flexibility and control, you should definitely check out the Delta Engine," said Benjamin Nitschke, MobileBits' CTO, giving the company's biggest rival in the space a backhanded compliment.

The Delta Engine is currently being beta tested, as well as being used by MobileBits to make its mobile action-RPG SoulCraft, which will be published by EA's Chillingo label. In addition, Nvidia is using the title as a tech demo for its up coming Tegra 3 architecture.

Developers can find out more about the technology, and apply for the beta test, which lasts until the end of September, here.