GameSpy offers free access to online services
Game services company to open up cross-platform tools for no initial cost
GameSpy has announced that it is to offer all developers access to its online game services and APIs for no initial cost, starting today.
The company, a division of IGN Entertainment, will make its APIs available using an online self-service process, with the cross-platform SDK including tools to track and assess performance and player engagement.
"Smart developers are looking at their games as a whole across multiple platforms," said Todd Northcutt, VP at GameSpy Technology. "We want to empower everyone creating games to make great online experiences and to build bigger, better communities regardless of platform, team size or budget.
"In an industry first, we are making cross-platform services free, with the hope that we can help more folks make better games."
Games which already make use of the GameSpy services include Red Dead Redemption, Bulletstorm and Crysis 2, although the company hopes that the strategy will attract more independent and start-up businesses to its ranks.
The move echoes the announcement made by Epic Games earlier this week that increased its royalty rate threshold for independent developers from $5000 to $50,000 in sales.