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LucasArts veterans launch multiplayer platform Suddenly Social for iOS

Taking care of server management and scaling

LucasArts veterans launch multiplayer platform Suddenly Social for iOS
With a focus on multiplayer backend infrastructure, Suddenly Social is the new social gaming platform launched by former LucasArts men Randy Farmer, Chip Morningstar, Noah Falstein and Gary Winnick.

The tool – which looks to take charge of server management, deployment, operations, and scaling – enjoyed a limited launch in 2011, but now the platform is available to all, with its creators looking to make life a little easier for socially minded studios.

Socially speaking

"Developers are looking for ways to innovate while keeping development costs to a minimum," said CEO Farmer.

"Chip and I have been working on this problem for the last 30 years and now we have a platform that is in the sweet spot for social/mobile game developers as well as the emerging mobile gambling market."

Having already been deployed in an unnamed Facebook release – which, the company claims, boasts more than 1 million daily active users – Suddenly Social's platform includes additional social tools, such as a cross-game, cross-device and geolocation-based messaging service.

Multiplayer might

To demonstrate its prowess, Suddenly Social has developed a number of games itself.
Bad Pets, for instance, is an eight player real-time rock, paper, scissors games, while Dice Club makes use of virtual currency.

"I continue to be impressed at the new and exciting ways developers want to use our platform, and we look forward to building long term mutually profitable relationships," concluded Farmer.

More info on Suddenly Social can be found on the platform's website.

The firm is also taking bookings for GDC, which kicks off on March 5 in San Francisco.




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