OpenFeint Connect API now supports Windows phone 7

With Xbox Live being an exclusive club, it seems alternative online game networks are falling over themselves to support the other 95% of Windows Phone 7 games and developers.

OpenFeint, who rules the roost on the iPhone app store (that is until Apple released their Game Centre Xbox Live clone) has launched a private beta launch of OpenFeint Connect, a set of social gaming APIs for game developers. OpenFeint Connect makes it possible for developers to release games on every app store for every device, and take OpenFeint game data everywhere.

OpenFeint Connect gives developers access to many of the most important features on the platform, without having to use an OpenFeint-built client and features:

• Leaderboards & achievements: Great for encouraging cross platform social competition.

• OpenFeint accounts: Perfect for players who want to play games on multiple devices, whether an iPad or a Palm Pre 3.

• OpenFeint friends: Make it easier for your players to find new friends, regardless of whether they’re Windows Phone 7 or Android fans.

• Developer announcements: Talk directly with your players to keep them engaged and up-to-date on the latest developments.

OpenFeint already serves 4,700 games and over 65 million players, and call themselves the largest mobile social gaming network.

“We believe games should connect people, regardless of what device or mobile OS they own. With the release of OpenFeint Connect, we give game developers the flexibility they need to take their games and game data to players everywhere,” said Jason Citron, founder and CEO of OpenFeint.

“To really thrive, we think social networks must be able to work across every platform and device. OpenFeint launched the first mobile social network and, with OpenFeint Connect, we’re now the first truly cross platform gaming network,” says Peter Relan, chairman of OpenFeint.

Developers interested in applying for the OpenFeint Connect private beta should visit openfeint.com/developers/of_connect.