If 2011 has a theme, then cross-platform play would appear to be it.

Yet the question isn't whether there's a demand from developers to implement it, but rather whether the toolsets available can deliver reliable and – most importantly – easily transferable systems to make it a reality.

A new SDK from Standford Student Startup Labs outfit Game Closure promises to make multiplayer that spans platforms – iOS, Android and Facebook – attainable for all studios.

One size fits all

The HTML5-based environment enables developers to write games in JavaScript that utilise standard HTML5 APIs.

With no need for plug-ins, the resulting game can run in any web browser without hassle. The SDK also enables mobile version to run via native apps, using APIs such as OpenGL.

What makes the SDK truly appealing to developers, however, is the fact that they only need to write one version of the game. Game Closure allows the same code to span over multiple platforms, enabling them to deliver an experience that's identical from mobile to web.

Game Closure is currently in private beta. Developers interested in taking part can contact the firm through its website.



[source: TechCrunch]