MySpace sets up Games Lab pilot
Social network "focused on enhancing our social gaming platform" by closer dev collaboration
Social networking website MySpace has announced that it is to pilot a new programme called the MySpace Games Lab in a bid to win over more social games developers to its cause.
The company's CEO, Mike Jones, told GamesIndustry.biz earlier this year that games were a priority for the company, which has seen rival Facebook gain huge audiences for titles such as Farmville and Mafia Wars.
The Games Lab will invite third party developers into the MySpace offices to "drive collaboration and facilitate great user experiences," wrote Jones in a blog entry today.
"Partnering with our developers is key and opening the platform allows MySpace and its users to benefit from the creativity of the developer community," he added.
One of the partners that MySpace has already been working with is Playdom, and CEO John Pleasants - formerly of EA - was effusive in his praise for the social network's vision.
"Working closely with MySpace has allowed us to launch and extend successful titles like Mobsters and Sorority Life," he said. "As we continue to collaborate, MySpace has been receptive to our feedback to update the platform with improved promotional and viral channels.
"Our symbiotic partnership ensures that our shared users will continue to enjoy unique social gaming experiences."
However, MySpace still has some ground to make up to Facebook, despite recent rifts between it and key developers over notifications and Facebook Credits - with the former hoping its zero per cent cut on games will help persuade developers to defect.
Meanwhile, Farmville developer Zynga has also been working closely with MySpace, and a new portion of its Mafia Wars game is set to open up on the platform.
"Social gaming is a powerful way for people to connect with each other," said Vish Makhijani, senior VP of business operations at Zynga. "As we extend our titles to different places on the web, MySpace provides an audience of social gamers that engage frequently with games and are excited to discover and share those experiences with others."