Q: Who is GREE?
A: GREE is Japan’s leading social networking service, providing social applications at the forefront of mobile technology. They have a network of over 25 million players across 500 games in Japan in addition to strategic alliances with partners such as Tencent in China and Project Goth in Southeast Asia. They are experts in the mobile social gaming, virtual currency and ad-network business, bringing knowhow that we hope to share with all of our developers.
Q: What is going to happen to the OpenFeint SDK?
A: The OpenFeint SDK will remain and still be free to use. The entire OpenFeint team is staying and we’re planning on doubling our headcount over the next few months so that we can continue to bring you the best in social, engagement, and discovery features for your games.
Q: What about the OpenFeint brand/network?
A: OpenFeint, the name and the network, will continue to operate and expand globally.
Q: Does this mean that I can now launch games on the GREE network?
A: We’re still finalizing plans for assisting developers that are interested in moving to new markets and will be providing additional information as soon as it is available.
Q: How big is the combined OpenFeint and GREE community?
A: Together we represent a community of over 100 million players that’s growing by over 2.5 users every second.
Q: Are you combining the two networks?
A: The networks will operate separately, sharing technology as they evolve. We will find the best solutions that are appropriate to each market, allowing you to easily access global communities by maximizing compatibility with technology such as common APIs.
Q: Is OpenFeint developing games now?
A: No. The OpenFeint team will be focused on working with the GREE team to provide the best gaming ecosystem for all of our developers. GREE will be independently developing new social games that showcase the platform’s capabilities.
Q: What changes, if any, should I expect?
A: You should expect OpenFeint to accelerate our releases, providing players and developers with the latest and greatest features to improve the gaming experience.
Q: Where do I go to manage my game, get support, find out the latest news, etc?
A: All of the developer tools, support systems, and product information will continue to live on OpenFeint.com. The whole team will still be here and we’re committed to continuing to provide amazing service going forward.
Q: How will this affect OpenFeint and the9?
A: Our developer and publisher partners who are working with the9 to bring content to China will be unaffected and business will continue as usual. The Fund9 initiative will not be affected and the9 will continue their work with developers.
Q: Will your tools, documentation and SDK now be localized into Japanese by Gree?
A: We have the GREE platform, and together will consider what is best for the Japanese market. We will let you know more information as soon as it is decided.
Q: Wait, I have more questions!
A: If you have any additional questions, please feel free to email us at devsupport at openfeint.com and we’ll be happy to answer you.