We’ve had the recent pleasure of working with Namco to release NAMCO ALL-STARS: PAC-MAN and NAMCO ALL-STARS: DIG DUG with J2Play on Facebook and other social sites. At the core, these games followed the standard J2Play integration process used by dozens of other PC and Flash developers (thus getting the same distribution and engagement features described in previous posts). However, these games represent several significant firsts for J2Play games and a new level of customization.

J2Play PC Overview

There are currently 7 PC games live on J2Play. When a user discovers and downloads one of these games, their social identity is built into the download package allowing them to maintain the same identity and profile whether they’re playing on the web or from a PC game. The PC game has the full set of J2Play engagement features displayed using an embedded Mozilla browser – users can even enjoy all web based games and discover other PC and mobile games from within the PC application. Game developers can easily implement an “offline mode” for their games so users can still play when there is no internet connection available.

Basic PC integration has only 3 steps – set up your environment, initialize the toolkit, and add the J2Play features (scores, social feeds, etc.). A full description of the integration process is available on the J2Play Developer Wiki.

Game For Sale

To date, all games with J2Play have followed an ad driven revenue model, even though that that isn’t the only monetization option available. Namco’s games offer a free two level trial after which users can purchase a key to unlock the remaining levels (255, in total) for $9.99USD.

Users can purchase the game from a new tab in the J2Play store using either Pay Pal and Google Checkout. Developers need only add license checks using the Armadillo software DRM package (a simple process also described on the wiki).

Social Network Connectivity

PAC-MAN and DIG DUG are the first PC games released using J2Play’s native Facebook connectivity.

When a user is logged in to Facebook, PC games can now send activity feeds and user-to-user notifications (used by challenges, wall posts, etc.). This capability represents a new level of socialization and distribution for PC games.

Though PC games can only connect to Facebook today, Hi5 connectivity will be available very soon with more networks following.

Customization

Namco’s games also highlight some of the customization options available to J2Play developers.

Customized PC download page:

Customzied Profile tabs:

Developers interested in this level of customization, or more, should contact J2Play Developer Support.

Conclusion

NAMCO ALL-STARS: PAC-MAN and NAMCO ALL-STARS: DIG DUG are the first in a new breed of social PC games made possible by J2Play. We’re regularly releasing new innovations. Interested developers and web site operators are encouraged to check out the J2Play Developer Site or contact J2Play Developer Support.